Chef Doug Paul (R) showcases a vital piece of equipment in the University of Hawai’i Maui College Food Innovation Center to Rotary members Al Weiland and Ted Faigle. This serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between Rotary and the college.

Rotary's Impact on Student Vocational Training in Maui

Rotary's Visit to UH Maui College

Dedicated members of the Rotary Maui Fires Relief Advisory Committee, accompanied by Rotary D5000 District Governor Ted Faigle, made a significant visit to the University of Hawai’i Maui College. They were keen to witness firsthand how Rotary support for student vocational training was being carried out at the college’s Food Innovation Center. This initiative received a substantial $22,000 grant from the Maui Fires Relief Fund, enabling 17 students from Lahainaluna High School to partake in three comprehensive courses. These courses covered various aspects such as food prototyping, recipe testing, scaling production, business planning, financing, packaging/labeling, and marketing. The classes were expertly led by Chef Doug Paul at the UH facility and culinary arts teacher Colin Delos Reyes at the Lahainaluna campus.Out of the 50 students enrolled from Lahainaluna and Baldwin high schools, eight selected participants were given the remarkable opportunity to join program director Angela Gannon at the Kapiʻolani Community College farmers market as part of the Youth Entrepreneur Program. This further highlights the reach and impact of Rotary's vocational training efforts.

Rotary's Response to Maui Wildfires

In the wake of the August 2023 Maui wildfires, Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 swiftly established the Maui Fires Relief Fund through its foundation. Since its inception, this fund has been providing immediate, intermediate, and long-term aid to the wildfire survivors. The Rotary Maui Fires Relief Advisory Committee has been meeting weekly since the fires to evaluate proposals from local Rotary Clubs for various projects. Each proposal is meticulously assessed to ensure the optimal allocation of funds. To date, over 80 projects have been funded, amounting to more than $1 million in support for these initiatives. As District Governor Ted Faigle stated, “One of the key ways that our Rotary clubs serve the community is through vocational service. We are delighted to support young people from Lahainaluna High School with this vocational opportunity. By collaborating with outstanding partners like the UH Maui Food Innovation Center, we can enhance our impact and contribute to the economic development of the island.”

Rotary's Presence in Hawai’i

Rotary in Hawai’i is home to around 1,500 dedicated Rotarians across 52 clubs spread across the islands of O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i Island. Rotary D5000 is an integral part of a global network of 1.4 million Rotarians, including neighbors, friends, and community leaders who are committed to bringing about positive and lasting change both locally and internationally. Maui alone is home to nine Rotary Clubs, further emphasizing the significance and reach of Rotary in the region.