Rotary Club of Pearlridge

Rotary Club of Pearlridge Do you know about ROTARY? Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.

Whatever your age or interest — if you want to improve communities near and far -- check us out! We meet two Fridays a month from 12:00 - 1:00 pm at the Pearl Country Club (Grille Room). Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. Locally, we make a difference in our community with clean up projects, food drives, and scholarships for local area hi

gh schools. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self.

Pearl City High School Interact club opens new school year with first meeting, receives financial support from Rotary Cl...
09/05/2026

Pearl City High School Interact club opens new school year with first meeting, receives financial support from Rotary Club of Pearlridge, Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association

By Barry Villamil | Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

The Pearl City High School Interact Club held their first lunch meeting of the 2026-2027 school year before a packed classroom of members on Friday, September 4, 2026.

PCHS Interact President Reagan Chang introduced 2026-2027 Officers, Board members and committee chairs which included presentations for upcoming 2026-2027 school and community service projects and fundraisers.

I had a wonderful opportunity to present the club with $250.00 donation checks while representing the Rotary Club of Pearlridge and the Pearl City Shopping Merchants Association.

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association annually supports the Pearl City High School Interact Club and the Highlands Intermediate Interact Club (Pearl City) with financial donations, leadership mentorship’s, as well as volunteering side by side together at annual Honolulu City & County Clean Water community environmental clean-up projects, and Pearl City community family-oriented events.

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge also supports the Our Lady of Good Counsel School Interact Club (Pearl City) and the Cross Academy Interact Club (Aiea) with annual $250.00 check donations, leadership mentorship’s, volunteer partnerships with community environmental clean-up projects, and family-oriented events.
Mahalo to Pearl City High School Interact Advisor/Teacher Mr. Dane Souza and PCHS Interact President Reagan Chang for inviting and welcoming me to their club lunch meeting on Friday.

The PCHS Interact Club will once again embark on an ambitious and rewarding school and community service projects schedule in 2026-2027 that truly benefits those in Hawaii and around the world with their impressive and heartfelt leadership skills while extending the Spirit of Aloha to all.

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchant Association are proud and honored to be a part of the growth and support of our Youth Interact Leaders as they set forth upon their mission and vision of perpetuating a better world via their actions and successes today, and well into the future,

Service Above Self

Proud to be a Rotarian

Photos by Barry Villamil

AG Drake visits, speaks at Rotary Club of Pearlridge - Mehlhorn, Tsukada sworn in as new membersBy Barry Villamil, Past ...
09/02/2026

AG Drake visits, speaks at Rotary Club of Pearlridge - Mehlhorn, Tsukada sworn in as new members

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) was truly honored to welcome Oahu Central Assistant District Governor Dennis Drake as a special guest speaker at the clubs lunch meeting held on Friday, August 28 at the Highlands Intermediate School Student Center in Pearl City.

AG Drake was also present to participate and congratulate new RCOP members Terri Mehlhorn and Jake Tsukada after being sworn in by RCOP President Tim Mehlhorn.

AG Drake proudly called up Past RCOP President Eric Fujimoto (2025-2026) to present him with a recognition certificate and pin from Past Hawaii Rotary District 5000 District Governor Nancy Cabral (2025-2026) for his exceptional service as RCOP President.

Mahalo to AG Dennis Drake for being there last Friday as our club celebrated the expansion of two more incredible members to our roster.

Service Above Self

Proud to be a Rotarian

Videos and photos by Barry Villamil

Jake Tsukada, Financial Planner RCOP Officer speaks at Rotary Club  of PearlridgeBy Barry Villamil, Past President, Rota...
08/08/2026

Jake Tsukada, Financial Planner RCOP Officer speaks at Rotary Club of Pearlridge

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

Jake Tsukada, Financial Planner with The Ho’ea Foundation and Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP)Treasurer was our clubs special lunch meeting guest speaker on Friday at the Highlands Intermediate School Student Center.

Jake’s speaking agenda included a very informative 101 on “Anticipating your tax bracket” in the following areas:

*Explore maximum pre-tax contributions

*Think about the pros and cons of converting your IRA to a Roth IRA

*Consider if you expect to be taxed at lower or higher brackets during retirement

Jake’s speaking agenda also included information with regard to being eligible for Social Security and what age to apply.

We were all truly honored to have Jake share his financial planning expertise on Friday with his fellow Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Pearlridge and online on our club page.

We are also honored to have Jake, who is a former University of Hawaii standout Rainbow baseball player on our RCOP team that is dedicated to serving our community.

Jake is a part of the Ho’ea - Wealth Advisory Group (Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.) led by Eric Fujimoto, Private Wealth Advisor and Board Member, Past President of the Rotary Club of Pearlridge.

Service Above Self

Videos and photos by Barry Villamil

Rotary Club of Pearlridge honors Dictionary 5000, Good Citizen Awards co-chairs Emily and Grant Kuraoka for their except...
07/16/2026

Rotary Club of Pearlridge honors Dictionary 5000, Good Citizen Awards co-chairs Emily and Grant Kuraoka for their exceptional service

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

It was an immensely proud and appreciative moment for the Rotary Club of Pearlridge to honor and recognize Emily and Grant Kuraoka for their exceptional service, dedication, and success while leading the RCOP’s annual Dictionary 5000 and Good Citizen Awards Program as its co-chairs. Both Emily and Grant served as honored guest speakers on Friday, July 10 during the RCOP lunch meeting held at the Highlands Intermediate School Student Center in Pearl City.

Emily and Grant put their Heart and Soul into the success of the RCOP’s annual Dictionary 5000 and Good Citizen Awards Program that reaches out to over eight-hundred third graders and their teachers in fourteen public and private schools in both the Aiea and Pearl City communities. The RCOP Dictionary 5000 Program annually provides free dictionaries and Good Citizen Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pearlridge Foundation.

In the beginning of each new school year, Emily and Grant order dictionaries, prep dictionaries by placing Rotary International’s Four Way Test in each dictionary and organize dictionary presentation dates and times with each school. Emily and Grant also distribute dictionaries to RCOP who volunteer their time to serve as free dictionary presenters. Most of the free dictionary presentations are made by Emily and Grant.

At the end of each school year, Emily and Grant prepare for the Good Citizen Awards presentations. One third grade boy and girl from each of the fourteen schools are chosen by their teachers to receive the prestigious award for best exemplifying the Principles of Rotary International’s Four Way Test. Each third grader receives a Congratulatory letter from the current RCOP President, and a $50.00 scholarship check provided by the RCOP Foundation. Emily and Grant connect with teachers to receive the names of the Good Citizen Awards recipients and schedule presentation dates and times. Presentations are made by Emily, Grant and RCOP volunteers at each of the school’s end of year awards assemblies.

Mahalo to Emily and Grant for their tireless dedication and inspiration to us all in the true spirit of “Service Above Self”. The wonderful mother and son Rotarian bond have put thousands of smiles on the faces of third graders and their teachers with each dictionary and Good Citizen Award presentation throughout the years

“On The Go” with the Rotary Club of PearlridgeBy Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of PearlridgeMahalo to my R...
06/13/2026

“On The Go” with the Rotary Club of Pearlridge

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

Mahalo to my Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) buddies who shared a wonderful lunch and fellowship together on Friday at Sadie’s BBQ Inn located at the Pearl City Shopping Center.

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge invites their membership to enjoy an “On The Go” lunch meeting one Friday of each month while supporting local restaurants in Aiea and Pearl City.

Mahalo Tim, Terri, Sarah, Jake, and Ed who I joined for a great time together as Rotarians.

I would like to invite you to check out Sadie’s BBQ Inn located on the makai side of the Pearl City Shopping Center next to Long’s Drug Store.

Ono Korean BBQ and great burgers!

Have a safe and nice weekend!

Service Above Self

Senator Brandon Elefante special guest speaker at Rotary Club of Pearlridge lunch meeting on Friday at Highlands Interme...
05/30/2026

Senator Brandon Elefante special guest speaker at Rotary Club of Pearlridge lunch meeting on Friday at Highlands Intermediate School in Pearl City

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

Mahalo to Senator Brandon Elefante for being our special guest speaker today at the Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) Friday lunch meeting held at the Highlands Intermediate School Student Center.

Senator Elefante shared his journey from being a teacher at Damien Memorial High School to the Honolulu City Council and today at the Hawaii State Senate where he serves while representing the 20th District that includes Aiea and Pearl City.

Senator Elefante shared his May 2026 newsletter that was filled with outstanding community news and highlights from the 2026 legislative session that just ended. He also presented a very informative 101 on how bills are introduced and move through the Senate, House, selected committees, and to the Governor's desk for his signature.

RCOP members were also given an opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Senator Elefante. We all had a great time voicing our questions and concerns.

Mahalo once again to Senator Elefante who is an amazing friend to RCOP members as well as community partner. He represents Senate District 16 with his Heart & Soul and is always in the community in support our residents and their ohana.

Service Above Self

Proud to be a Rotarian

Photos and videos by Barry Villamil

Rotary Club of Pearlridge President, Past President proud to present Good Citizen Awards at Pearl City Elementary and Ka...
05/29/2026

Rotary Club of Pearlridge President, Past President proud to present Good Citizen Awards at Pearl City Elementary and Kanoelani Elementary

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

I was truly honored to present Rotary Club of Pearlridge Dictionary 5000 Good Citizen Awards this morning at Kanoelani Elementary School during the end of school year awards assembly. It was another rewarding experience and wonderful opportunity to serve as a RCOP Good Citizen Award presenter.

It was nice to return to Kanoelani Elementary to announce and present Good Citizen Awards after presenting and distributing free dictionaries to the third grade class and their teachers in the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

On Tuesday, RCOP President Eric Fujimoto presented Good Citizen Awards at Pearl City Elementary School during the schools end of year awards assembly.

President Eric received an overwhelming and energetic welcome from the Pearl City Elementary student body and ohana while being introduced.

They also cheered for each Good Citizen Awards recipient as their names were announced and were presented their Good Citizen Awards which included a recognition and congratulator letter signed by President Eric and a $50.00 check.

President Eric and I wished everyone a safe and fun filled summer vacation and that we were looking forward to presenting the incoming 2026-2027 third graders with their very own, brand new dictionaries.

Service Above Self
Proud to be a Rotarian

Photo 1:
RCOP President Eric Fujimoto is pictured with Pearl City Elementary School Good Citizen Award recipients on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Photo 2:
RCOP Past President Barry Villamil is pictured with one of two Kanoelani Elementary School Good Citizen Award recipients on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

By Barry Villamil. Past President, Rotary Club of PearlridgeCongratulations to Good Citizen Awards recipients Lawson and...
05/23/2026

By Barry Villamil. Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

Congratulations to Good Citizen Awards recipients Lawson and Saya from Palisades Elementary School in Pearl City

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge continued it’s Good Citizen Awards presentations on Friday, May 22, 2026 as a part of the club’s Annual Dictionary 5000 Project that benefits and supports third graders and their teachers representing fourteen public and private elementary schools in Pearl City and Aiea.

In the beginning of each school year, the Rotary Club of Pearlridge donates free dictionaries (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pearlridge Foundation) to over 800 third graders and their teachers.

The Good Citizen Awards are presented to one boy and one girl from each school who best exemplified the Principles of Rotary International’s “Four Way Test”
that was included inside their brand new dictionaries (inside cover).

Good Citizen Award recipients are selected by their teachers and presented their awards at the end of school year awards assemblies.

Each Good Citizen Award recipient receives a congratulatory letter from Rotary Club of Pearlridge President Eric Fujimoto and a $50.00 check donated by the Rotary Club of Pearlridge Foundation.

Mahalo to Grant Kuraoka, Rotary Club of Pearlridge Dictionary 5000 / Good Citizen Awards Co-Chair for presenting Lawson and Saya with their well-deserved Good Citizen Awards.

Congratulations Lawson and Saya!

Photos and video by Barry Villamil

Service Above Self
Proud to be a Rotarian

Rotary Club of Pearlridge kicks off Dictionary 5000 Good Citizen Awards at Manana Elementary SchoolBy Barry Villamil, Pa...
05/20/2026

Rotary Club of Pearlridge kicks off Dictionary 5000 Good Citizen Awards at Manana Elementary School

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge began to present Good Citizen Awards on Tuesday to third graders from fourteen elementary schools in both the Aiea and Pearl City communities. Good Citizen Awards are a part of the Rotary Club of Pearlridge Annual Dictionary 5000 Project that donates free dictionaries in the beginning of the school year to 800+ third graders and their teachers. The RCOP returns at the end of the school year to award one boy and one girl from each school with Good Citizen Awards that include a congratulatory letter by the RCOP President and a $50.00 check.

Good Citizen Award recipients were chosen by their teachers for best exemplifying Principles of Rotary International’s Four Way Test which was included in the inside cover of their brand new dictionaries:
"Four Way Test"
1. Is it the truth
2. Is it fair to all concerned
3. Will it bring good will and better friendships
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned

Mahalo to Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) community volunteer Rick Lau who presented Manana Elementary School third graders today with their Good Citizen Awards.

Congratulations!

Photo courtesy of Manana Elementary School

Rotary Club of Pearlridge supports Ho’ea The Foundation’s partnership with Books and Beyond and Read to Me International...
05/19/2026

Rotary Club of Pearlridge supports Ho’ea The Foundation’s partnership with Books and Beyond and Read to Me International to open Keiki Book Shelf at Pali Momi Family Medical Center

By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge

The Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) held their lunch meeting on Friday, May 15 in support of Ho’ea The Foundation’s partnership with Books and Beyond and Read to Me International (a part of Hawaii Rotary District 5000) who opened the Keiki Book Shelf at Pali Momi Family Medical Center.

The Keiki Book Shelf features brand new books that are free to visitors to the Pali Momi Family Medical Center. The Ho’ea Foundation will donate and replenish brand new books while keeping the book shelf fully stocked with a wonderful selection of classic and newly published children’s books.

Ho’ea The Foundation’s Eric Fujimoto (RCOP President) and Jarik Higa led a read aloud session of selected books from the Keiki Book Shelf to the Aiea Elementary preschool students in attendance. The interaction between Eric, Jarik and preschoolers was priceless with the turn of each page.

Mahalo to Aiea Elementary School Principal Ryan Ishimoto and staff for being there on Friday in support of their students and the Book Shelf program at the Pali Momi Family Medical Center. Also, a special mahalo to Lori Fujimoto and also Pali Momi staff.

Also, mahalo to the Ho’ea The Foundation for treating everyone to slices of ono Pizza!

Service Above Self
Proud to be a Rotarian

VIDEO LINKS:
Eric Fujimoto, Ho’ea The Foundation, Rotary Club of Pearlridge President
https://www.facebook.com/100064874702853/videos/pcb.1448542883984855/1445060103970510

Jarik Higa, Ho’ea The Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/100064874702853/videos/pcb.1448542883984855/971160512543757

Ryan Ishimoto, Aiea Elementary School Principal
https://www.facebook.com/100064874702853/videos/pcb.1448542883984855/1537134341373096

Photos and videos by Barry Villamil

Address

98-535 Kaonohi Street
Aiea, HI
96701

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 1pm
Saturday 7am - 5pm

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