September 2017 President’s Message
Aloha Lions,
Seems like August came and went in a blink of an eye, and a busy month it was. Would like to welcome our newest Lion, Marlene Arnett. She was inducted on August 17th and is already actively involved in projects. We also welcomed a visitor, Margherita Coppolino, from the Lions Club of Footscray, Australia at the August 17th meeting.
The Lions motto, “We Serve,” was well in play in August, as we had many opportunities to “Serve.” As schools are back in session, HPD requested our help with reminding the public to drive safely. Thank you to the eight Hawaii Kai Lions who spent an hour before school started doing just that. On August 11th they waved signs on the road by Kamiloiki School along with HPD and employees from Farmers Insurance.
August 12th the Hawaii Kai Lions showed up in force after Lion Bill Modglin’s request for assistance with the 24th annual Heart Walk. Twenty seven Lions and several CIS assembled and distributed 4000 goodie bags with sandwiches and fruit for the hot, hungry, and grateful runners and walkers as they crossed the finish line. Where there’s a need you can always depend on the Lions to be there. Mahalo to all.
Mahalo to our treasurer, Eric Kvick, for hosting a “Rescue Tube” brainstorming and informational meeting at his home on Sunday, August 13th. Lion Eric served us his ono homemade pizza while we listened to State Representative Gene Ward and Cameron from State Senator Stanley Chang’s office. Discussions were held on ideas to raise funds to expand the project and get more tubes out to the public and along the many miles of shoreline on Oahu. The rescue tubes have been in use with much success on Kauai and also on the mainland. In April we distributed 100 rescue tubes to the public at Maunalua Bay. East Oahu has several popular but dangerous spots not covered by lifeguards, and have accounted for 164 drownings over the past 10 years. Lion Eric was just notified by the Honolulu Fire Department of the first successful save, thanks to the rescue tube. A young man was rescued at Spitting Caves after 25 minutes of hanging on to a rescue tube while waiting for help to arrive. HFD stated that he would not have survived without the rescue tube. One save is awesome, but so much more to do..
August 26th the Hawaii Kai Lions and Koko Head Lions assisted the Diamond Head Lions’ sponsored project with setting up for the annual Kapahulu Bon Dance. All went pretty quickly and smoothly, once they figured out which pipe went with which connector for which tent. Mahalo to everyone for your help.
After that project was completed, several Lions headed over to Puuhale Elementary school to assist the D50 Recycling project. Mahalo to Lions Delwin, David, Cynthia, and Peggy for taking on two projects in one day.
Now that school is back in session, we’re ramping up for vision and hearing screenings at both the pre-schools and elementary schools in the area. August 31st was the first screening at Calvary By The Sea Pre-School. Lions Eric Kimura, Cynthia, and Jeanne assisted the Koko Head Lions with screening 27 little ones. We were able to finish pretty quickly once they rounded them all up. Additional schools are still in process of scheduling dates for their screenings.
September looks to be another busy month. Looking forward to our joint meeting with Koko Head Lions on September 7th. DG Blayne Hanagami will be visiting us at that meeting and Lions Eric Kvick and Bill Modglin will give us an updated presentation on the “Rescue Tube” project. Also, September 21st is our open house meeting at Mariner’s Cove Bay Club for prospective members. HPD will have two representatives at that meeting to update us on crime in the area and fraud scams. Your CIS are also invited. Please be sure to sign up on the website so we can get a count for the food order.
“We Serve” is certainly what we do. Mahalo to all for all you do.
-President Jeanne Alices