Member Larry Laird received the prestigious Palaka Award for Service
Larry Laird, member of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset was the recipient of the Palaka Award at a recent event hosted by the Rotary Club of Kahului. 
 
Mike Lyons, for whom the Mike H. Lyons II Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Palaka Award are named, was the epitome of a Rotarian and a prominent figure in the Maui community. He served as President of the Rotary Club of Kahului and as Governor of Rotary District 5000. Mike passed away on March 26, 2004, but his legacy will impact our community for generations to come, thanks in part to your support of our Scholarship Program. 
Created in honor of Mike Lyons’ tireless community support, the Rotary Club of Kahului’s annual Palaka Award distinguishes outstanding long-term volunteer service to nonprofit organizations on Maui. Named for the signature palaka shirts Mike wore, the award is Maui’s highest service recognition and pays tribute to community members who demonstrate their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time, talent and treasure to create positive change and stronger communities on Maui. 
This year, the awards were presented to Goodfellow Brothers for their philanthropy service to our community.  Also honored was Mercer K. “Chubby” Vicens for his tremendous and tireless community service.   This year the Palaka Awards committee added a category to recognize a local Rotary Club member.  Larry Laird received the award for his extended contributions to the Youth and Rotary Clubs of Maui.  Presenting the award to Larry was Senator Roz Baker.