Six members from our sister club, the Rotary Club of Chitose from Hokkaido, Japan came to visit RoCKS between January 26 and January 30, 2024. It was the first official visit between the two clubs since 2019 and their short trip helped to strengthen our bonds of goodwill and better friendship. It was a jam packed weekend!
Picking up the RC of Chitose delegation at the airport.
A visit to the famous Hitachi Tree at Moanalua Gardens.
Party games at our welcome dinner. Thanks to Lisa Nishiya for hosting.
Anna Yoshida and Kelley Tom are twins.
We took them snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Thanks to Wes Mun for giving snorkeling lessons and gear.
RC of Chitose President Koji Maeda plants a native Hawaiian plant as a part of our Hamakua Marsh service project.
Our Niu Valley Middle School Interact Club came out to help with the Hamakua Marsh Project as well even in the pouring rain!
And we ended the weekend with a special club dinner at the Elks Lodge Waikiki. Thanks to Calvin Hara for arranging the dinner and to DG Mark Merriam and Kathleen Merriam for attending.
Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters presented a proclamation to the Chitose delegation.
The RC of Chitose donated some school supplies for RoCKs to distribute to our area schools.
Past President Yoshinori Konno (on podium) and District Youth Chair Hide Nishimura.
We canʻt wait to see our friends from Chitose in April when we visit their club from April 19 - 23, 2024. Interested members should contact Kelley Tom to sign-up.