10/01/2026
📌 October Calendar: Economic and Community Development month!
Strong local businesses don’t happen by accident. Neighbors build them by showing up for each other. This month we focus on the causes where we put our time, skills, and Rotary foundation dollars to work.
Across Hawai’i, here’s how that work is happening:
🌺 a Kauaʻi-style pitch competition. The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay led Kauaʻi’s Rotary clubs and the Kauaʻi Chamber of Commerce in Catch A Wave, a business plan competition backed by a $40,000 SBA grant. Of 38 applicants, eight finalists pitched for more than $50,000 in cash, coaching and support. Kauaʻi Fresh Fish took the grand prize.
🌺 Career training for Lahaina fire survivors. A $30,000 Hawaiʻi Rotary District 5000 Foundation grant to Imua Onipaʻa pays for career coaching, digital literacy and technical training. Rotarians add mentoring and connections to employers.
🌺 Support for small farmers. The Rotary Club of ECO Maui secured a grant for the Maui Farmer Support Network, which gives beginning farmers tools, workshops and volunteer help on the farm.
🌺 Places to learn and grow. A $250,000 grant to the West Maui YMCA Partnership Park supports college and career programs, tutoring and cultural activities for Lahaina families.
This is what Create Lasting Impact looks like: skills, jobs and local businesses that keep giving back long after the project ends.
Want to be part of it? Learn more and find a Rotary club near you or our online E-Club at rotaryd5000.org
