Visit Our New Website for Recent Blog Posts

This blog site is no longer active. For new and recent blog posts about rotary club of honolulu sunrise, please visit our new website at www.rotaryhonolulusunrise.org

SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE

Where is education heading in the 21st century? According to Robert Witt, Executive Director of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), it’s collaboration. HAIS’s relationship with the Hawaii Community Foundation started four years ago with the purpose of determining what a child needs to know to be successful in the 21st Century. The answer: group work, collaboration and partnership. In other words, how work is being done in businesses today. Their goal is to teach students to think deeply, be creative, develop analytical thinking and master good communication skills. HAIS and NAIS are also redefining the purpose of education by helping students to learn about themselves, adopt good values, care about themselves and others, and dedicate their lives to the greater good.



Robert also extensively praise (“roasted?”) our very own Joe Rice who is the president of Mid-Pacific Institute, a past president of the HAIS, and an outstanding educator.

Mahalo to Nancy Walden for leading the meeting for President Amin Leiman. Past President Dave Erdman introduced guests, and Pete Van Zile shared George Carlin’s views on aging.



Betty Bernie welcomed guest/potential member Ron Sauder, formerly of the Kaneohe club, and Rob Hail brought in his beautiful daughter, April.





At the Rotary Club of Honolulu, we are also sad to learn that Walt Delaney, Executive Director of ADE and Producer/Writer for T-Shirt Theatre is currently in hospice. The T-shirt Theater/Alliance for Drama Education was our 2010 Weinberg community service project recipient and has been a vibrant part of the Farrington HighSchool community since 1981. The program will continue under the leadership of managing director George Kon. Read more about Walt at Rehearse for Life.

Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise Welcomes President Amin Leiman

President's Message




Aloha Fellow Sunrisers,
It gives me great pleasure to be your president for the 2011-2012 Rotary year. I would like to congratulate all of you for being such dedicated Rotarians over the past years and for your commitment to our Rotary causes. We’re off to a good start with our Voyager painting project led by Jo Archibald and the Sunrise Painting Company, and the camping event with the Cambodian and Blind communities at Bellows led by Past President Colonel Allen Kamemoto and Rotarian Rob Hail. These two community- based service activities exemplified the great work of our members who are always out there embracing humanity with their great hearts.

As you know, Rotary is all about Service and Fellowship, and our RI president’s message this year is to “Reach Within and Embrace Humanity.” We have certainly accomplished that objective with these two community service projects. As we go forward, we’re planning to have three visioning sessions with all of you to come up with our 3-year strategic plan so we can focus our efforts more efficiently and effectively. As such, I would like you to email me your views on the following:

1. What do you want from our club?
2. What do you like about our club?
3. What would you like to change?

Thank you for your time and attention!

Yours in Rotary,
President Amin Leiman


What's All the Racket? 



Brad Fujino of Goodfellow Bros. explained the noise on Ala Moana Boulevard and Bishop Street as they bury electrical lines.

Honolulu Sunrise Starts The Year At Voyager School

Start with 21 Rotarians and friends. Add 15 Voyager staff and parents. Sprinkle in 11 enthusiastic parents and volunteers through Keiki O Ka Aina. And what do you get? An amazing transformation!



On July 2, the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise spearheaded an ambitious painting project for Voyager Public Charter School in Kakaako. The school is in the process of moving to its new location, and the Sunrise painting crew slipped in after the construction and before the carpet rolled in. The most difficult room was downstairs in which our Sunrise Painting Co. raised the white of the walls another two feet, repaired damaged walls and gave the room a whole new look.



Volunteers also powered through five other large classrooms, prepping and painting.



This year, the project also started a new Sunrise initiative: the Honolulu Sunrise Circle of Giving. It's an opportunity for our club to stay in contact with organizations we've helped, and for those organizations to give back--and give forward--to the other organizations that we assist, thereby creating a community of benefactors and givers. We look forward to our next project and hope to see Voyager members, as well others we've helped come and lend a hand.



Mahalo to all the hard workers who made a HUGE difference for this dynamic public school. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

If you are unable to view the slideshows, visit our website at Rotaryhonolulusunrise.org.

President Paul Crosses The Finish Line

Hooray for President Paul Sibley who just completed a record-breaking term as the fearless leader of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise. In a show of team spirit, commitment and undeniable bravery (Paul's running hats have travelled thousands of miles, literally), club members celebrated the emotional moment to the tune of "Chariots of Fire."


According to one of the "Paul tweets" read by past club presidents, "Some men walk on water. Paul Sibley wins on land." Also, special thanks to Paul's wife, Courtney, and his sons for sharing him with us.

Re-use Hawaii: Outstanding Business of the Year




Amidst the hoopla, Honolulu Sunrise also recognized Re-Use Hawaii as the Outstanding Business of 2011 for their dedication to Hawaii's environment. Their visionary approach to recycling not only preserves natural resources, it has helps architects retain and reuse many of the aesthetic touches that are all too quickly disappearing. Mahalo and congratulations!

HOWARD BEHAR: FORMER PRESIDENT OF STARBUCKS NORTH AMERICA AND STARBUCKS INTERNATIONAL

Margit Watts, Past President of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise, met Howard Behar at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and arranged for him to speak at a joint luncheon with the Rotary Club of Honolulu. The event was held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on June 21st. 

Howard Behar was the president of Starbucks' North American division and the founding president of Starbucks International. During his 21-year tenure, he participated in the growth of the company from 28 stores to over 15,000 stores spanning five continents.

At his presentation, Mr. Behar's discussed two founding principles behind Starbuck's success:

1) "Wear One Hat" 
Mr. Behar referred to a lesson he learned early in his Starbucks career that in order to be effective, he had to be true to himself. His advice holds true for companies also, and stresses the importance of defining the values of the organization--beyond making money.

 2) "Let the person who sweeps the floor choose the broom." 
By following the suggestions of a Los Angeles district manager, Mr. Behar launched one of the company's most profitable product lines: Frappuccino.

At the heart of Starbuck's success is their desire to inspire their employees and their customers.

To learn more about Howard Behar and his book, "It's Not About the Coffee," visit howardbehar.com.

Did you miss the event, click here to view the video.

Some of the Sunrise attendees: Carolyn Hiatt, Margit Watts, Dave Erdman, Allen Kamemoto, (Carolyn Hiatt again :) and Wendy Goodnow. Mahalo to Rita Cassella for these photos.

FOSTER PARENTING: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HURT

Last week, Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise presented guest speaker Rick Kang. As a family liaison with Partners in Development Foundation Hui Hoomalu, Rick recruits and lends licensing support to families and individuals who have the heart and means to become a Resource Caregiver (Foster Parent). To learn more about foster parenting, visit Hui Hoomalu. 

Congratulations to Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship recipients, Carly Doi and Lauren Farris. Each graduate will receive $5,000 toward their college education. The Foundation was started by the late "Sully" Sullivan, who was a member of the Ala Moana Club. Over the years, the majority of the students recommended by Honolulu Sunrise have become scholarship finalists. We offer them interview practice sessions and constructive critiques to help them improve their skills.

Welcome Guests

Last week, we were happy to welcome prospective members Jerry Dunlap (with President Paul Sibley) and Trish Dunlap (with Dave Mozdren), Voyager's current and past principals Amy Voderbrugge and Sue Deuber (with Jo Archibald), and Metro visiting member Eric Kaler (surrounded by Nancy Walde, Dave Erdman and President-elect Amin Leiman). 

'

JUNE 6TH: BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH UH CHANCELLOR DR. HENSHAW

On June 6th, we were pleased to present guest speaker, University of Hawaii Chancellor Virginia Henshaw (center), shown with Programs Co-Chairs Mollie Sperry and Nancy Walden. 

The University of Hawaii (UH) is a leader in academic excellence with 10 campuses on four islands. The National Science Foundation ranks UH Manoa in the top 30 public universities in federal research funding for engineering and science. In 2010, the UH system was awarded $255,734,059 in research funds, generating over $1 million a day in research revenue. In 2011, US News and World Report rated UH Manoa as among the best Graduate Schools in the nation. Learn more about the University of Hawaii and Dr. Henshaw. 

Charles DuBoyce recognized with Quiet Rotarian Award

A warm mahalo to Charles for all he has done for the club, from setting up and manning the club in the morning to stepping in when we need a hand. Charles (left) receives his award from President Paul Sibley. 

Kelly McCanlies Receives Spirit Award

 The Rotary Spirit Award is given to a new member who shows great enthusiasm in support of Rotary—and judging by the way Kelly jumped right into the silent auction and fundraising, she's got spirit. Go girl!

Welcome Guests

As always, it's an honor to have our District 5000 team visit our club. Sunrise member Jan Taketa (right) welcomes DG Personal Scheduler Laura Steelquist and Area Governor Liz Kane. 

No Monday Meeting June 20, Special Luncheon June 21

Reminder: No Honolulu Sunrise meeting this Monday, June 20th.

Instead, please join us for a special joint luncheon Tuesday, June 21st, with the Rotary Club of Honolulu featuring Howard Behar. Mr. Behar is the former president of Starbucks North America and Starbucks Coffee International and grew the company from 28 stores to 400. More at Howard Behar.com

Royal Hawaiian Hotel, noon. $35 at the door.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

Exciting things are happening at the University of Hawai'i. This week's speaker was Professor Maenette Ah Nee-Benham, inaugural Dean of the Hawai'inuikea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Dr. Benham was the lead author of the White House Paper on Tribal Colleges and Universities – A Trust Responsibility.

It's not about the coffee


Get your tickets: Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks North America and Founding President, Starbucks International will be speaking at a joint luncheon with the Rotary Club of Honolulu. June 21, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, noon, cost $35.

COUNTING DOWN TO APEC 2011 HAWAII

On May 2nd, Honolulu Sunrise was pleased to present guest speaker, Jim Tollefson, Chairman and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and board member of the APEC Host Committee, who spoke about the preparations for APEC United States 2011. The conference will culminate with the 19th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii from November 12–13, 2011. To learn more, visit apec2011hawaii.com.

SHOWCASING THE HONOLULU ACADEMY OF ARTS

On May 9th, we were pleased to welcome guest speaker, Stephan Jost, the new director at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Jost was the former director at Vermont's Shelburne Museum and will be bringing his enthusiasm and ideas to revitalize Hawaii's premier museum. Among the changes that Jost will oversee is the merger of the Academy with The Contemporary Museum. Be inspired at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

$10,000 Weinberg Donation to the Alliance for Drama Education

There are few things as rewarding as a job well done, or in our case, two jobs well done. Thanks to the assistance of the Downtown Club, hands-on efforts from T-shirt Theater's George Kon and his family, and a hearty group of Sunrisers, we weeded, painted and pounded at Keiki O Ka Aina Preschool to earn $10,000 from the Weinberg Foundation to donate to the Alliance for Drama Education's T-shirt Theater at Farrington High School. A big mahalo to Nolan Pong, Jan Taketa and Charlie DuBoyce for coordinating our Weinberg effort!

Club News


After lively bidding, PP Jerry Hofwolt (and Wally) won two rounds of golf at Koolina donated by Ken Marcus. Proceeds will benefit our club's Japan relief efforts. As always, we were happy to see new and familiar faces. Aloha to Liz Kane, AG Central Oahu, and Volkmar Kunereth, guest of President Elect Amin Leiman.

WEINBERG FOUNDATION SERVICE PROJECT

Many hands make light work. That was the phrase of the day as Rotarians from Honolulu Sunrise, assisted by members of the Rotary Club of Downtown, cleaned classrooms, painted walls, weeded gardens, cleared overgrowth, created a playground and assembled and installed a toyshed for Keiki O Ka Aina Preschool in Palolo Valley. Thanks to everyone's support, we will receive $10,000 from the Weinberg Foundation for the Alliance for Drama Education's T-Shirt Theater

To see Rotary power in action, visit our Honolulu Sunrise Picasa photo album. 

Weinberg Work Project 2011

.

ONE FOR THE MONEY, TWO FOR THE SHOW

Who said Calabash Monday's aren't exciting? Last week we featured vocational talks from our very own Allen Kamemoto and Mike Doss.



Allen Kamemoto, CFP, CLU, has been working for 30 years as an independent agent and financial planner. He likened the expertise of Certified Financial Planning practitioners to CPAs versus accountants, offering a higher level of service and education to guide clients in all aspects of their financial lives, including insurance, investments and estate planning. As people live longer, their needs change, and with the multitude of financial products available it can be difficult to know what's best. Allen's motto is "simplify." He helps clients concentrate on those products which best meet their needs and consolidate policies to make life simpler. Allen brings heartfelt passion into his work, helping his clients achieve their personal and financial goals with caring and integrity. He is also a retired Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve and the commander in charge of our Club's Rotary camping trips. Allen and his son, Ryan, work together to serve their clients and are ready to help you at Kamemotofinancial.com or akamemoto@hotmail.com.




Mike Doss started with the YMCA 23 years ago and is now the COO of the YMCA of Honolulu, overseeing all nine branches in Hawaii. The YMCA's three-point value proposition emphasizes youth development, healthier living and social responsibility and provides programs tailored to each community. Through a steady plan of branch improvements and innovative dues re-structuring, Mike and the membership team have grown the YMCA's membership from 6,000 to over 20,000 members, halfway to their goal of 40,000. YMCA trivia: The Windward YMCA is the only YMCA to have a heeiau, the Leeward branch is the only one to have a smokestack, and the Nuuanu branch was the first race-integrated branch in America (1890). Mike holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology, and is probably one of the most fit people in our club. If you run fast enough, you can catch him at ymcahonolulu.org or mdoss@ymcahonolulu.org.

GO WARRIORS!

Our March 18th, our meeting featured the winning team of Wayne Vierra, Director of Ticket Sales for Ahahui  Koa Anuenue, University of Hawaii Office of Intercollegiate Athletics and Alvin Katahara, Director of Annual Giving and Executive Director of the UH Na Koa Football Club. Together, they are bringing a renewed energy to the UH athletics program which supports 19 sports and the academic and athletic success of more than 500 student-athletes. To learn more, visit hawaiiathletics.com.