The Sunset Brief
Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset | Weekly Newsletter Date: August 23, 2026 | Issue: #6
From Mike
Aloha Sunset Rotarians,
Weβve had a busy few weeks in our Club.
This past Thursday, we had a very informative presentation from Jose Acevedo from the AED Institute of America. He showed us how easy it is to use an AED. We've all seen these devices on the walls in offices, malls, buildings, and airportsβbut would you know how to use one if needed? Jose showed us how easy it is... I even pushed the electric shock button while he was hooked up to the machine! After this presentation, we are all much better prepared to use this life-saving device should the need ever arise.
Then this weekend, we had our District 5000 annual conference. We had over 200 Rotarians in attendance and even enjoyed a surprise appearance by Governor Josh Green. He offered us wonderful thoughts about coming together to create peace and finding ways to collaborate to create lasting impact. His message of peacebuilding was the highlight of the weekend and reminded me how critical the work we do as Rotarians truly is.
To top it all off, a major highlight of the evening was that RCHS was awarded Large Club of the Year! This is an amazing testament to all the hard work and dedication our Club has put in over the past year. We were recognized with several other awards as well, which we look forward to celebrating and sharing at our September 17th meeting.
Yours in Service,
Mike Kass
The Sunset Brief
Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset | Weekly Newsletter Date: August 23, 2026 | Issue: #6
From Mike
Aloha Sunset Rotarians,
Weβve had a busy few weeks in our Club.
This past Thursday, we had a very informative presentation from Jose Acevedo from the AED Institute of America. He showed us how easy it is to use an AED. We've all seen these devices on the walls in offices, malls, buildings, and airportsβbut would you know how to use one if needed? Jose showed us how easy it is... I even pushed the electric shock button while he was hooked up to the machine! After this presentation, we are all much better prepared to use this life-saving device should the need ever arise.
Then this weekend, we had our District 5000 annual conference. We had over 200 Rotarians in attendance and even enjoyed a surprise appearance by Governor Josh Green. He offered us wonderful thoughts about coming together to create peace and finding ways to collaborate to create lasting impact. His message of peacebuilding was the highlight of the weekend and reminded me how critical the work we do as Rotarians truly is.
To top it all off, a major highlight of the evening was that RCHS was awarded Large Club of the Year! This is an amazing testament to all the hard work and dedication our Club has put in over the past year. We were recognized with several other awards as well, which we look forward to celebrating and sharing at our September 17th meeting.
Yours in Service,
Mike Kass
The Weekly Horizon (Upcoming Meetings & Events)
Never miss a gathering. Here is what is coming up next on our calendar:
Upcoming Service Project: The Pantry
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 11:30 AM β 2:00 PM
Location: The Pantry (2522 Rose Street, Honolulu, HI)
Details: Join us for our biweekly service shift providing groceries and essential support to over 500 local families.
Action Required: Please RSVP to Mike Kass at mike.kass@ritzcarlton.com if you can join the shift.
Monthly Social: Neuroplasticity Wellness Session with B+Hari
Date & Time: Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Details: A special 90-minute class hosted by B+Hari (bhari.org) focusing on developing neuroplasticity by combining movement, sensory experience, and creative cognitive challenges. There is no charge for any of us to attend this very special class.
Action Required: Class size is limited! Please RSVP to Mike Kass at mike.kass@ritzcarlton.com as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
International Delegation Visit: Fukuoka, Japan
Dates: September 7 β September 10, 2026
Details: Visiting our sister club, Rotary Club Fukuoka Josei, featuring a joint dinner and ceremony on September 9th.
Contact: Please reach out to Kazu Inakoshi for itinerary details and delegation coordination.
Next Club Meeting:
Date & Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM (Fellowship at 6:00 PM)
Location: Waikiki Yacht Club (1599 Ala Moana Blvd)
Details: Join us as we showcase our Large Club of the Year award and celebrate all the additional District 5000 honors our club received! We will also be sharing about a very special honor received by one of our members - don't miss this meeting!
- RSVP & Meal Payment: Please click here to reserve your spot and prepay for your meal ahead of time.
Sgt. at Arms Note: Bring your aloha dollars to celebrate our District 5000 Large Club of the Year award!
Celebration of Life: Rich Zegar
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Location: Waikiki Yacht Club
Details: Rich and Lee Zegar were beloved members of the Rotary Κ»ohana whose lives reflected generosity, friendship, and service. Lee passed away a few years ago, and Rich followed last year. Though they lived in HawaiΚ»i for many years before retiring to Florida, their connection to our community never faded. Rich remained a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, continuing his membership even after moving away. He was a generous donor to The Rotary Foundation and a warm, welcoming presence in our club. Many Rotarians fondly remember Rich for the joy he sharedβespecially when he took fellow Rotarians and guests flying in his Cessna plane. Lee and Rich also opened their home countless times, hosting Rotary gatherings filled with fellowship and aloha. Their kindness and hospitality strengthened the bonds within our club and created memories that endure.
- RSVP & Contribution: Please click here to RSVP and complete your payment for the Celebration of Life.
Healthcare Heroes Gala: Honoring Dr. James Ham & Dr. Dan Murariu
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Sheraton Waikiki
Details: Two of our esteemed RCHS members, Past President James Ham and Past President Dan Murariu, are being honored as Healthcare Heroes by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii! Tickets are $150. RCHS is putting together a table to celebrate these remarkable achievements by two incredible physicians.
Action Required: Please let Beth Hoban know ASAP if you would like to join our table and celebrate with us.
Service in Action
A quick look at how we are making a difference locally and globally.
District Recognition: Proud recipient of the District 5000 Large Club of the Year award!
Community Food Distribution: Returning to The Pantry this Wednesday, August 26th, to serve local families facing food insecurity.
International Goodwill: Delegation finalizing plans for our sister club visit to Fukuoka, Japan.
Member Spotlight & Celebrations
Recognizing the people who make our club shine.
Birthday Celebrations: We are wishing Mark Izawa (August 20) and Ota Odibo (August 23) a very happy birthday! Cheers and here is to many more years of health and happiness!
Healthcare Heroes Recognition: Congratulations to PP James Ham and PP Dan Murariu for being named Healthcare Heroes by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii!
The Last Word
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." β Muhammad Ali