Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor
A L O H A   &  E   K O M O   M A I
We are the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor, a young, diverse, and vibrant club that brings military personnel, veterans, and non-military individuals and families together to serve our communities both near and far.

ABOUT ROTARYHPH

Chartered in 2017, we are proud to be one of 54 clubs in Hawai'i Rotary District 5000 (USA). Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. As Rotarians, we come from all walks of life but share a common goal: to make Hawai'i and the world a better place.

 

In the spirit of lokahi (unity), we work together to support local projects like beach cleanups, keiki (children) education programs, and food drives. 

Promoting Peace in Our Community: Peace Pole Installation at Kalihi Elementary School

KALIHI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND ROTARY CLUB OF HICKAM PEARL HARBOR CELEBRATE PEACE POLE AND MURAL DEDICATION

Honolulu, HI – January 22, 2025 – The Kalihi Elementary School community gathered in a ceremony today to unveil a new Peace Pole and a student-created mural. This event, a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor and Kalihi Elementary, showcased the school’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring commitment to peace and unity.
The Peace Pole, purposefully installed at the heart of the campus, bears the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Marshallese, Filipino, and other languages that reflect the school’s diverse student body. This universal call for peace was further emphasized by essays presented by first and second-grade students, who shared their personal reflections on the meaning and importance of peace.
“This courtyard is the heart of our school,” said Principal John Hamilton during his speech. “It’s where we come together every morning, and now it’s filled with symbols that matter—unity, culture, and the hardworking spirit of our students and staff. The Peace Pole reminds us that while we may come from different backgrounds, peace unites us all.”
The celebration also included the dedication of a mural honoring Hawaii’s “canoe plants,” such as kalo (taro), kukui (candlenut), and ti leaf. Painted by the school’s fourth-grade students under the guidance of their teachers, the mural highlights the cultural and historical significance of these plants. As part of the project, students conducted research and shared their findings through essays presented during the ceremony.
“This mural not only beautifies our campus but also strengthens our students’ connection to the rich traditions of Hawaii,” said Mrs. Okimoto, a fourth-grade teacher. “It’s a reminder of how we can learn from the past to create a brighter future.”
After the dedication, President Emilie Smith of the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor shared her thoughts on the occasion: “It’s inspiring to see these young students embrace the values of peace and unity, and we’re proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”
This event exemplified the Rotary Club’s mission to foster peace and understanding while supporting local schools in impactful ways. Funded through a Hawai’i Rotary District Grant, the project brought together students, teachers, parents, and volunteers, leaving a lasting legacy of collaboration and shared purpose.

Watch the presentation here.

 

2024 Santa's Helpers - Joint Project with RC Ala Moana

Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor Supports Ala Moana Rotary Club's "Santa's Clothes" Project

December 14, 2024 - Honolulu, Hawaii - The Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor is proud to have participated in another meaningful service project this holiday season by assisting the Rotary Club of Ala Moana with their annual Santa’s Clothes Project, affectionately referred to as Santa's Helpers.

This heartwarming initiative partners with King William C. Lunalilo Elementary School to bring holiday joy to children in need. Selected students are given a $100 shopping spree at Walmart Keeaumoku to purchase clothing and school supplies, with the flexibility to allocate up to 20% of the allowance for toys—a small touch that makes the holidays extra special.

The project involved Rotarians working in pairs to accompany students on their shopping trips, offering guidance on budgeting and making thoughtful selections. This hands-on experience not only brought smiles to the children but also reinforced the Rotary values of Service Above Self and community impact.

Kim Castillo., President-elect of the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor, reflected on the event:
"It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy on the children’s faces as they select items they need while still having the chance to pick out something special for themselves. It’s a beautiful way to give back and support our future generation."

This collaborative effort highlights the power of partnerships among Rotary clubs to serve their communities and make a positive difference during the holiday season.

View of Facebook Photo Album.

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Kalihi Elementary Hosts Annual Turkey Trot with Support from Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor

November 25, 2024 – Honolulu, HI – Kalihi Elementary School celebrated its much-anticipated annual Turkey Trot today, a lively field day for nearly 200 students ranging from preschool to fifth grade. The event was a fun-filled showcase of community spirit, collaboration, and Thanksgiving cheer.

Organized by the school’s dedicated teachers and staff, the Turkey Trot featured six activity stations designed to engage students. One of the highlights of the day was Principal John Hamilton, who donned a turkey costume and braved the dunk station, much to the students' excitement and amusement.

The event’s success was bolstered by the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor, a long-standing partner of Kalihi Elementary. Nearly 30 club volunteers staffed the stations, ensuring smooth operations and adding to the festive atmosphere. Additional volunteers joined from the Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor, Dynamic Healing Center, and ALTRES. As a special treat, the Rotary Club also donated turkeys, pies, and a ham, which were awarded to a few lucky students.

“We’re proud to support Kalihi Elementary and bring smiles to the faces of these incredible students,” said Joshua Laguana, Rotary Club Past President. “This partnership is about more than just events—it’s about building a stronger community.”

The Turkey Trot exemplifies the strong bond between Kalihi Elementary and its community partners, emphasizing the shared commitment to creating positive and enriching experiences for students.

 

MEETING DAY & TIME

We are a membership organization that meets on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm at Big City Diner, Pearlridge. 

 

View Calendar

 

   

JOINING ROTARY

Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.

 

 

Rotary connects 1.4 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. But we know that in Hawai'i, it's all about ohana (family) and building relationships.

 

 
So come join us and become part of our ohana - we can't wait to meet you!  

 

   
 

OBJECT OF ROTARY

   
The Object of Rotary, a principle that emphasizes ethical behavior, promoting goodwill and peace, and performing international service, was established in Rotary's early years. Rotary has been committed to the idea of service for over 110 years, and it all began with Paul Harris in Chicago, Illinois, USA.  
   

It is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

 

GET INVOLVED

   

We have many incredible stories to share about the connections we've made and the personal growth we've experienced through our commitment to service. We believe that by sharing these stories, we can inspire others to join us in making a difference.

     

Will you join us and help create a better world through service?

 
   
As kamaʻāina, we understand the importance of giving back to our communities and the impact it can have. That's why we invite you to join us and be part of our story. Our members are passionate about creating positive change, not only locally but also globally  
Ready to get started?
#RotaryHPH

Pacific Business News Special Report: How one Hawaii HR Professional prioritizes service in Rotary

Date: May 17, 2024
Written by: Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros, Pacific Business News (kkukaua@bizjournals.com)

 

Joshua Laguana is a senior solutions engineer at Hawaii staffing firm ALTRES, as well as president and founder of the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor, which he helped establish in 2016. In both roles, he gives back to his community via his employer and through his own personal time. Pacific Business News asked Laguana more about what his roles entail and the importance of volunteering in the local community.

A Micronesian Youth's Experience - May 2024
 
A Micronesian Youth's Experience - A Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor Special aired on Olelo Community Media in May 2024. Click here to watch it on our Youtube Channel @RotaryHPH
LATEST FROM ROTARYHPH
Upcoming Speakers
Joshua Laguana, District 5000 Public Image
Feb. 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Aloha Action Campaign
Aloha Action Campaign
Roz Cooper, Past District 5000 Governor
Feb. 18, 2025 6:00 p.m.
End Polio Now | Polio Plus
Mele Papa Latu
Mar. 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Aloha Harvest
Past Speakers
Cassie Castillo
Jan. 14, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Kara England
Nov. 19, 2024 6:00 p.m.
The Radical Hale
Dr. John M. Waite, DMSc, MPAP, PA-C
Nov. 12, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Vocational Speaker - Physician Assistant/Associate
Join us at an upcoming event!
 

Rotary International 2024-2025 President Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme is The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.

Want to help? Start the conversation with us by texting (804) 4 ROTARY