By 1970 her world changed…..all at once! That year, she arrived at California Berkeley to study. “An Asian student in high heels and a 2-piece green suit, passing by all the hippies laying on the ground, loudly responding to my look, while I was on the way to the University’s office. There, I learned I had missed my deadline to apply.” That very year, in Chicago she married her husband, Victor Lambert, who was studying performing arts. They immediately found themselves in Hawaii, where he had been offered a PHD. Victor played the oboe with the Honolulu Symphony and flew for Hawaiian Airlines as a Captain, as they raised their 2 daughters and one son.
Hai Cha’s career included the manufacturing of musical instruments cases and real estate. She has successfully worked with the global Sotheby’s International real estate firm to this day.
“Giving is a gratifying feeling. I love to help others…and I love our Rotary Club, where our distinguished community changes lives.”
Around 2018, Hai Cha was in Burma with Honolulu Club Rotarians on an International Project to build a medical clinic in an extremely remote area. “There wasn’t even a toilet … we dig a 6-foot-deep hole-of-an-outhouse. It was an eye opening, humbling experience. The labor was intense, but the fellowship was stronger.” And for Hai Cha, the Ohana of Rotary continues to broaden her life.
Hai Cha and her hubby, Victor
Hai Cha with Susan at the Shimbashi Banquet that was held in November 2023
As seen in this photo - Hai Cha is always smiling and certainly engaging!