Duane Kurisu is a Honolulu business man who single handedly put together a public-private partnership that constructed a new community for homeless called Kahauiki. The project constructed 24 new units with a preschool and day care in just six months.  Duane is from Hakalau and used his upbringing on a plantation camp as inspiration for the new community.  He is hoping he can replicate this community on the Big Island with the help of Rotary.  Learn more about Kahauiki at kahauiki.org.  Join us on Tuesday as we learn more from Duane on this new endeavor.

Mahalo to all that attended the Installation Dinner on June 19th at Imiloa.  President Brenda Ho recapped the great works of our South Hilo Rotary over the past year and graciously handed over the reigns to incoming President Benson Medina.  Special recognition to our outgoing Board members, Audrey Wilson, Jim Wilson, Randy Kurohara, Jack Stevenson, Pat Aiona Jr and Tom English for their many years of service.  Randy Hart installed Benson and the 2018/2019 board members.  Kris Speegle sang and played two songs on the ukulele and we finished the night with a group song, Hawai'i Aloha.

A blessing will be held on June 30th for the new micro-units built for lava evacuees.  If anyone has connections to a landscaper that could provide temporary or permanent plants to beautify this space please contact Charlene Iboshi.