Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu History

In April 1986, many business leaders believed that a breakfast Rotary club would be popular, meeting in downtown Honolulu. With the support of three sponsoring clubs, the Rotary Clubs of Honolulu, West Honolulu, and Ala Moana and through the leadership of then District Governor, Chad Penhallow, our club was organized and became a Provisional Club on July 1, 1986. During the planning stages the name given our club was Rotary Club of Central Honolulu. This was quickly changed.

The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu received its Charter at a formal dinner on the evening of August 25, 2986 attended by 133 Rotarians, spouses and friends. The District Governor’s Representative in the formation of the club, Donald R. Dawson, a 20-year member of the Honolulu Club was elected the first President.

The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu began with 70 charter members, by far the largest new club ever organized in Hawaii. The club grew quickly almost doubling within the first year and becoming the second largest club in Hawaii District 5000. On August 27, 1987, Metro Rotary became the first Rotary Club in District 5000 to admit women to full membership.

With limited financial resources an annual fundraiser was started in 1988, a dinner/ auction. Each event has had a different theme, and each has been an outstanding success, raising money for community projects.

In its history, Metro Rotary has been recognized numerous times for leadership in Rotary and in our local and international community.

Perhaps our greatest accomplishment is spreading the concept of "Service Above Self", to more and more people. We have taken leadership in the organization of two new clubs, the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset.

In 2011 the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu celebrated its 25th Anniversary.