A MESSAGE FROM

PRESIDENT CAROLANN BIEDERMAN

Aloha mai kākou,

At last Tuesday’s meeting, our guest speaker Dr. Kim Holland shared fascinating data and innovations that make it possible for local sharks to join his team as research partners, along with the human scientists at the Shark Research Lab, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology in Kāneʻohe Bay.

Rotary International guest speakers are in town for the District 5000 Conference, scheduled for tonight through Sunday. Mahalo to everyone who donated hygiene supplies for the U.S. Vets community service project at the Conference. Our Club was fortunate to greet guests Johrita Solari, RI Director for Zone 26 and 27 and her husband Bruce Solari. Johrita chairs the RI U.S. Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force. Representing her Rotary Club of Anaheim, CA, Johrita and I exchanged club banners. PDGRoz Cooper, member of the Honolulu Metro Club, attended with them, and shares Johrita’s commitment to End Polio Now as our District 5000 PolioPlus Chair. 

Clif Purkiser and Gigi Davidson reported on early results from the new Community Service survey. Hard copies were available at the meeting, and everyone is encouraged to reply with your project preferences for this Rotary year. It’s short and user-friendly.  Survey Link Here

Immediate Past President Brian Dunkel received great news yesterday from Francesco Arezzo, 2025-26 RI President: Our club has earned the Club Excellence Award for 2025-26, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve! (View our Certificate Here). This past year, our club has demonstrated a commitment to achieving its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future. Cheers and mahalos to Brian for his leadership, his dedicated and hard-working Board of Directors, and all club members and ‘ohana who made this very successful year possible.

Don’t miss next Tuesday’s member-focused meeting at the Pacific Club for Paul Harris Fellow recognitions, 2nd year Don Anderson Youth Leadership Fellow updates, and the launch of our new Corporate Membership program. Club and Foundation leaders are getting ready to celebrate club members’ philanthropic milestones, explain how you can actively participate in our newest programs, and offer direct answers to your questions. I look forward to seeing you there!  

Mahalo nui loa,

Carolann Biederman

President

The Rotary Club of Honolulu

RCOH LUNCH MEETING

August 25, 2026 

11:30 am Check-in & Fellowship 

12:00 pm Meeting Begins

Meeting at the Pacific Club

Congratulations RCOH!

Our club earned the Club Excellence Award, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2025-26. This past year, our club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.

MAHALO ROTARY CLUB OF HONOLULU

FOR DONATING TO THE PANTRY

The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Honolulu continues its longstanding support of The Pantry by Feeding Hawaiʻi Together with a generous donation to help provide fresh, nutritious food to local families. Pictured are Rotary Club of Honolulu President Carolann Biederman, President Elect Michael Marsh, Past President Brian Dunkel, and The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together Executive Director Jennine Sullivan. The Pantry is grateful for Rotary Club of Honolulu's continued commitment to supporting our community and helping ensure local families have access to the food they need.

PAUL HARRIS EVENTS WEEK - SEP. 8

So far, we have two events planned for our upcoming Paul Harris Events week, so stay tuned for registrations.

Stay tuned for more information to come and registrations.