A Message to District 50 Hawaiʻi Lions & Leos, As I continue to observe our district, one thing is clear:
We are doing a good job welcoming people in—and now we have an opportunity to care for them in ways that help them feel connected, supported, and valued for the long journey.
As of January 31, 2026, District 50 Hawaiʻi Lions has:
- Welcomed 107 new members
- Said farewell to 119 members
These numbers help guide us. They show us where we are doing well, and where we can continue to grow with intention and aloha. This message is not about blame. It is about awareness, care, and strengthening our foundation so our clubs—and our service—can thrive.
Some Simple Truths
1. Service Is Still the Best Invitation
People are more likely to join—and remain active—when they are invited to serve, not just to attend a meeting.
We saw this beautifully with the Chinatown Lions, who invited Kim, a 90 year young community member, to serve alongside them during our statewide canned food drive at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. That moment captured the heart of Lionism—service across generations, shared with joy. When we ask friends to serve with us, something changes. Service creates belonging faster than words ever can.
2. Our Legacy Lives in the Next Generation
If we want Lions to be strong tomorrow, we must invest today in Leos and young leaders. This was clearly seen in:
- The Kaiser High School Leos serving proudly at the State Capitol.
- The Kona Healthy Leo Lions Club, celebrating their first charter anniversary on January 3, 2026. (Read Lion Michelle’s article in this issue.)
These young leaders are already engaged in meaningful service. They don’t need convincing—they need support, mentorship, and a clear pathway forward.
I strongly encourage every club to start or strengthen a Leo Club and intentionally prepare Leos to transition into Lions. Retention grows when leadership is nurtured, not rushed.
3. Visibility Creates Opportunity
People cannot join what they do not see. If our goal is to attract younger members, we must be visible where they already are—both in the community and online. That means showing our service, our people, and our aloha. Recent examples include:
- Visiting “The Wall That Heals” at UH West Oʻahu (with 1st VDG Cedric Mitsui)
- The ʻEwa Beach Lions collecting canned food in front of Safeway.
Photos shared on the Hawaii Lions Facebook page.
We share these moments through social media so our communities can see Lions in action. Visibility is not about promotion. It is about letting people witness service happening around them.
4. Engagement Is the Key to Retention
Members stay when they feel useful, connected, and growing.
Our role as leaders is not to force participation, but to nurture engagement—helping members discover their strengths and guiding them toward leadership at their own pace.
One of the most inspiring moments for me was seeing the Hilo Crescent City Leos helping provide games and meals for homeless families just days before Christmas. That is what engagement looks like—service with heart, meaning, and pride. When people are actively serving, they don’t question why they joined. They already know.
A Message to Our Communities
To the communities we serve across Hawaiʻi: Mahalo for welcoming Lions into your neighborhoods, schools, events, and lives.
Everything we do—whether it is vision screenings, food drives, disaster relief, youth programs, or simple acts of kindness—is rooted in our commitment to stand alongside you. When our clubs are strong and our members feel supported, our ability to serve our communities grows stronger as well.
If you see Lions in blue and gold serving near you, know this: We are there because we care, and we are always grateful to serve.
Highlights — The Heart of This Message
- We are welcoming new members and learning how to better care for those already serving
- Service remains the strongest way to connect, invite, and belong
- Leos and young leaders are essential to our future and our present
- Visibility in our communities and on social media helps people see Lions in action
- Members stay when they feel engaged, appreciated, and supported
- Strong clubs grow by nurturing people, not pressuring them
If we lead with service, visibility, mentorship, and aloha, people will not only join—they will stay. People may join clubs, but they stay for the experiences with gratitude and aloha,
Bruddah Sean Benito, District Governor
District 50 Hawaiʻi Lions
Stay connected for regular updates, district highlights, and service opportunities:
Facebook: Sean Benito & Lion Bruddah Sean Instagram: @bruddahsean
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