Rob Hale was born in 1944, and his family named him after an 18th century descendent, Nathan Hale, who after spying for President Washington, was captured by the British and historically declared, “I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country.” Rob’s other famous relatives include Edward Everett Hale, who wrote “The man Without a Country”, and Sarah Hale, a 19th century newspaper editor who was the driving force to have President Lincoln declare Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
Raised in Massachusetts, Rob’s love of his Shetland pony changed his life and appearance. To this day he has had a mustache ever since the pony collided with his lip, and he met his pony loving high school classmate and future wife, CarolAnn. They married in 1966. Rob studied architecture at Syracuse University, but a year in . . . Rob was drafted and served 17 months in the Army Engineering Battalion in Vietnamese Nam. CarolAnn and Rob spent R&R times in Hawaii and eventually moved here. By 1971, with 3 kids at home, Rob was working at Architects of Hawaii…eventually became President of the firm, whose many projects include Bishop Museum’s master plan, Castle Hall, Honolulu Zoo’s petting zoo, and The Children’s Justice Center.
“It is the service component of Rotary, the fellowship, and the ability to meet people outside your sphere, that drove me to say yes in 1969 to my RCOH sponsor Frank Hanes.”
That camaraderie has been a blessing.
When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center September 2011, one of Rob’s 3 daughters…Maile Hale…was visiting an investment firm there. “We were desperate to learn her fate. My Rotary club friend, Kitty Lagaretta miraculously, and I mean miraculously, secured a flight to the mainland for us that very night.”
Maile Hale
The family soon learned Maile Hale had perished in the terrorist attacks. Her legacy lives on with the Rotary Club of Honolulu Maile Hale Endowment Fund, which will continue to grow the club’s ability to perform Service Above Self.
Rob has been focusing his Rotary service on Centennial Park Waikiki, a project initiated by the recently deceased RCOH member, Dave Benson. The dream has evolved into a beautiful green spot between Seaside and Royal Hawaiian Avenues, and Rob and his dedicated Rotary team continue to engage our members and clubs in District 5000 and our sister clubs around the world to finalize the project and turn it over to the city. Not easy. But through it all, Rob Hale continues to have his club’s support.
Dave Benson Centennial Park Dedication
close up of the park dedication
Centennial Park today is enjoyed by all