Lions are members of Lions Clubs International, a community service organization dedicated to the idea that the men and women who live in a community are in the best position to know who needs help and why. Local Clubs are part of the world's largest such organization, with more than 1.35 million members within 45,000 clubs, serving in 200 countries and geographical areas. The association is both non-political and non-sectarian.

Dinners & MORE Dinners for the Campers

Posted July 23, 2008

The Wahiawa Lions hosted the international youth campers for lunch and dinner during their visit to Central Oahu and the North Shore on Wednesday, July 16. After the youth managed to find their way out of the giant maze at the Dole Pavilion, the Wahiawa Lions treated them to a Japanese bento lunch, accompanied by chips, drinks and cookies. The campers then proceeded to the Polynesian Cultural Center to spend the afternoon learning about our island culture.

They returned to Wahiawa for a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Wahiawa Lions. The dessert course consisted of three homemade cakes baked by Lion Alice Vierra. Following dinner, each national grouping of campers spent a few minutes describing some aspect of their culture. This included everything from beer and sausage to their home country’s current president and Blessed Damien of Molokai, who was mentioned by Mathiu Buysscharert from Belgium. All the youth showed their hula skills and the boys demonstrated the haka that they just started learning. The youth seemed to enjoy themselves and the Wahiawa Lions had a great time conversing with and hosting the future leaders of the free world. (Jack Kampfer - Wahiawa) sent in his photo gallery of their dinner on July 16th.

Over a week later (July 22nd), the following clubs; Aloha Pono, Chinatown, Lions Club of Honolulu, Kalakaua, Moanalua, and Kamehameha hosted another big dinner at the St. Louis Alumni Center. Here, the 24 youths got to sample the delicious Kiawe Grilled Steak, Liliha Coco Puffs, and other items on the buffet menu. Lion John Koki provided music to compliment the evening.

In an informal program, Region IV Chair Jim Bryan called upon each of our IYC guests and using his "reporter" talents, provided light inquiry about themselves and thoughts about their Hawaii trip. Meet each of our International Youths. After each interview, OMIYAGE (gift baskets) were given as a fond rememberance of their evening. Visit the Dinner Banquet picture gallery (over 450 pictures).

ARC in Hawaii Maintenance

Posted July 23, 2008

The Aloha Pono Lions led the way in a joint club effort from Region IV, Zone 1 on June 7, 2008. ARC, located Diamond Head is a facility that cares for the mentally and physically challenged. This routine maintenance was joined by 30+ Sophomore volunteers from throughout the state who will be using this as their HOBY service project. Specific tasks were painting, kitchn & window cleaning, and weeding. A light lunch had been served to all. (Photos by Karen Pack). See Lions in action by viewing the photos!

"Regular Lion's Report on 2008 LCI Convention"

Posted July 22, 2008

Lion John Ochoco of the East Kaua’i Lions Club sent in his take on the recent International Convention in Bangkok. It's a glimpse of this year's event, and hopefully it will encourage more Hawaii Lions to consider attending international conventions. Here is his report with photos.

International Youth Camp...the Maui Run...

Posted July 16, 2008

This year’s camp started on June 28, 2008 with 1 boy from the Netherlands arriving 1 week early, followed by a girl from Germany arriving on July 3, 2008. We had a total of 11 host families for the first week of the camp which included Lions Mark Mizuno, Eugene Thomas, Susan Moniz, Mel Aoki, Nina Hoohuli, Cecelia Izuo’s daughter-Cherylyn, Mayee Wong and Darlene Nakayama.

On July 9, 2008 the youths left for Maui via the Superferry and was hosted by the Lions Clubs on Maui. Activities on Maui included a service project of removing 2,000 pounds of invasive plants at the Hawaii Nature Center. Their Maui stay ended with a farewell luau at Hongwanji Mission, which was hosted by the Lion Mark Mizuno and the Haleakala Lions Club. The youths had such a great time that they did not want to leave.

We are presently at Camp Puu Kahea in Waianae and have a solid schedule of Lion sponsored activities.

This year we have a total of 24 youths, 10 boys and 14 girls, from over 14 countries, England, Israel, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Finland, Croatia, Turkey, Netherlands, Holland, Mongolia, Norway, and British Isle. (Darlene H. Nakayama, Chairperson, HLIYC, / Photos by Mark Mizuno). View Mark's Photo Gallery.

DG Shannon Ching recounts his DGE School at the Bangkok Lions Club Convention 2008

Posted July 15, 2008

For the DGE and CIS, sessions began on June 18th, a week earlier than the actual convention, in the resort city of Pattaya located 2 hours south of Bangkok. International President (then elect) Al Brandel with PID Ron Luxton planned the seminars to prepare the candidates of some of their responsibilities and to introduce them to the theme, "Miracles Through Service." At the end of DGE School on June 23rd, the 91st Annual Lions Club Convention commenced in Bangkok with over 26,000 lions from throughout the world converging into the city. The Impact Challenge Center, on the outskirt of the city, was the site of the convention. Over 200 buses accommodated the Lions.

Besides the schooling, the convention provided friendship, fellowship, and an appreciation/commitment to a viable global service organization called Lions. View DG Shannon's Photo Gallery.

Kapa-Moi Lions Club Project for Ho`opono

Posted July 14, 2008

On Saturday, June 21, 2008 members of the Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club visited Ho`opono Services for the Blind to check out the blackout draperies they sponsored for the Braille Classroom. Among the various skills taught to persons who are blind and visually impaired, Ho`opono also teaches Braille as part of its required core curriculum. Students wear sleep shades as a integral tool towards gaining the blindness skills in all classes. The blackout draperies now aid in teaching Braille as well as keeping the classroom cool. Ho`opono would like to thank the Kapa-Moi Lions Club for its generosity and support through this special project for the blind.

Ho`opono appreciates this generous donation from the Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club as the blackout draperies allow our students to more effectively learn and practice their Braille literacy skills using sleep shades as a viable tool in the learning process. A darkened room prevents students from "peeking" and aids at focusing on the skills of blindness students are learning through Ho`opono's New Visions Program. Students' other senses such as touch, smell and hearing are developed. The honing of students' blindness skills empowers them, builds their self-confidence and validates the fact that "Blindness is not a barrier to success". A timely project, the draperies also keep the Braille Classroom cooler during these hot afternoon summer sun days!

This may not be "sweat shots" of the Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club members in action, however, their hearts, sacrifice, support and interest in Ho`opono's program is definitely there. The new draperies are displayed in the backdrop. (Jon Koki Community Services Coordinator Ho`opono Services for the Blind)

KHNL News Stars Model "Laughs for Lions III" Celebrity items

Posted July 2, 2008

From Lion Jim Bryan...Some great news! MidWeek has agreed to do a full color two-page photo shoot on the celebrity items for Laughs For Lions III. Shooting was done Wednesday morning at the Honolulu Design Center. Why the fancy setting? Because, Lion Diane Ako has helped us bring in the other many attractive news anchors at KHNL - - Stephanie Lum, Mari-Ela David, and Paul Drewes - - to "model" the items from Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Ava Gardner, Sharon Stone, Nicolas Cage, Tiger Woods, etc. It was either the TV people or Lions Abe & Franklin. As good as Franklin may look in Sharon Stone's miniskirt, I think we'll go with Diane and her co-workers. The photo spread will be in the July 9th issue of MidWeek, available to 400,000 homes & businesses statewide. Let's hope this helps us complete the sellout sooner rather than later without having to spend further money on advertising. Lion Irwin Santos was at the photo shoot and he even got to touch the cape that Grace Kelly wore. Lucky him. Please visit the photo gallery to peruse some of the items offered during the Laughs for Lions event. View the attached list of items that are up for grabs. You need to be present to win...it'll be a GRAND evening of top notch Entertainment, Fun, and Best yet...support the cause of Lionism. Pictured below, Diane Ako with Grace Kelly's MINK cape, Paul Drewes with Nicholas Cage's sweater from "The Weatherman", Mari-Ela David with Ingrid Bergman's Cocktail Dress, and Stephanie Lum wearing $2000 worth of necklace from "The Gem Hunter" Gary Bowersox.

Peace Poster Contest "Peace Begins with Me"

Posted July 16, 2008

Now is the time, to start preparing for your club’s participation in the Peace Poster Contest. This is a great way to pledge your support of peace and tangibly work for the cause peace in the world in keeping with our Lion’s Pledge. The Peace Poster Contest provides your Lions club the chance to champion the cause of peace, interact with young people in your community, introduce youth to international understanding, as well as give your club a vehicle for obtaining positive publicity. Here is more information on the contest. Click here to obtain the application. (Lion Jack Kampfer, Peace Poster Contest Chair )

2009 Lions Leadership Institute

Posted July 16, 2008

District 50 is once again sponsoring a Lions Leadership Institute to assist in building your personal leadership skills and to provide you a positive, enriching environment for bonding and networking comfortably with your fellow Lions and sharing goals, frustrations, and exciting ideas and projects. This Institute is not only for those who wish to serve at the Club and District level, but for anyone who wish to grow in Lionism in some manner and to grow as an individual. At the end of the session, you will learn how you can get the most out of yourself and the most out of those you associate with. This event will be held January 17-19th 2009.

All candidates must complete the attached Application and Candidate’s Lion History. All completed documents and the registration fee of $100.00 made payable to District 50 Hawaii must be postmarked no later than November 20, 2008. Find out more by downloading the entire application. For even more information, contact Ken Nishibun at 395-4012 or

MIDWEEK STYLE Celebrity Fashion Items To Be Raffled @ Laughs For Lions

Posted July 9, 2008

Yu Shing Ting of Midweek and the KHNL News Team provide a 2-page spread on several key items to be raffled at the Laughs for Lions 3. This publication has 300,000+ in circulation issued Wednesday 7/9/08. Get your copy of Midweek, or visit the online version here!

"Laughs For Lions III" tickets ARE NOW ON SALE!

Posted May 28, 2008

Since releasing the tickets last evening, we're already setting a record pace for sales and the advertising hasn't even started, yet. A sellout is expected quickly. We have TWO MAJOR HEADLINERS this year, both Mainland veterans of Leno, Letterman, HBO, Comedy Central, and Las Vegas. Steve Byrne is a comedy genius who plays upon his unique Korean-Irish heritage for a motherload of laughs. And, Jim Gossett is one of America's premiere Impersonators, with dead-on comedy impressions of people like George Bush, Bill Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry King, Jay Leno, and a cast of thousands! And, wait until you see some of the other acts in the show, like The Great Baloni (mindreader) and Alan Arita (magician).

Oh, yeah - - and, the unpredictable duo of Abe & Franklin - - their FINAL SHOW ever! Be a part of the "Abe & Franklin Farewell Tour" as they've announced their retirement from showbiz after LFL 3. Be a part of history. Click here for more detail AND visit the website at www.laughsforlions.com

Pictures Requested

Posted January 1, 2008

In lieu of the new website, Lion Irwin Santos is requesting photos of "Lions in Action". These pictures will be used to represent Lions at work in the community. Generally pictures that show the individual(s) helping another, or actually getting their hands dirty in painting/repairing bus shelters, vision screening, and the like. Photos should be in JPEG format and at least 800 x 600 resolution (the higher the better). Please email