Presidents Message
 
A Brief History

The Central Oahu and North Shore areas are rich in culture and diversity. Historically, this entire region focused on agriculture, primarily for the pineapple and sugar industries. Although pineapple production is still evident, sugar is no longer a major industry.

Prior to and after World War II, Wahiawa saw the building and development of Schofield Barracks and Hickam Army Air Field. To support the needs of the military personnel and their families, many businesses were started in this town.

Today, the military continues to provide a customer base for this area’s stores and companies. The resulting relationship between our military and our civilian neighbors has been fostered by the aloha spirit.

Traveling to the North Shore towns of Waialua and Haleiwa is like to taking a trip to a neighbor island. Tourists and kamaaina alike are treated to an old-time Hawaii atmosphere where they can enjoy the fabulous beaches and dine at the many great restaurants located within a short walking distance from each other.

Our Major Goals

These historic and rustic areas have been the territory for the Rotary Club of Wahiawa-Waialua for more than 73 years. Within the next year, our goal is to usher in a new chapter to our club’s story which has, up to this point, focused mainly on Wahiawa. Due to the growth of the North Shore area and the specific needs of that community, this region needs to have a Rotary Club of its own. We will support and give needed guidance to this cause until its fruition by Spring 2010.

Attracting and developing good new members is the number one priority for our Rotary club this year since several of our key members will likely leave to help get the North Shore club started. With the commitment of our membership co-chairs, Nancy Barry and Gerry Joering, and all of our current members, I am sure this mission will be achieved.

This year, we will also oversee the formation of an Interact Club at Waialua High School. The enthusiastic response from students and the full support of the administration will insure that this dream will become a reality by Fall 2009.

Going Forward

Over the course of the year, this section of our webpage will inform all interested parties of upcoming projects, events, and announcements.

Our first major undertaking is the Back To School Project, in partnership with Pastor Ron from the Once-A-Month Church of Waialua. Families of the North Shore district who cannot afford to provide their elementary school age children with the basic school supplies will be provided with 100 backpacks filled with these items. Pastor Ron’s church members will distribute them to the children with the greatest needs. Our club will also provide 50 filled backpacks to a similar group of children at Helemano Elementary School.

Under the leadership of our Service Projects chairperson, Linda Sato, our club is well on the way to meeting this challenge. At our special meeting on July 23rd, we will pack all 150 backpacks and get them ready for their new happy owners.

The theme of Rotary this year is “The future of Rotary is in your hands.” And, as you can see from what we have planned and our initial project, this motto rings true.

Mahalo for visiting our website! We hope that you will continue to visit to learn of the new projects we undertake.

Aloha,

Kenneth Uyeno, President 2009-2010
Rotary Club of Wahiawa/Waialua