7th Annual Awards Presented
At a recent meeting the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset presented the 7th annual Vocational Service Awards to an individual, a non-profit organization, and a local business. These Vocational Service award recipients were selected for demonstrating integrity through high ethical behavior that is the foundation of Rotary. The recipients provide a road map for ethical behavior in the workplace and other areas of life. This award is presented annually to three entities that provide outstanding service to our community and/or our club. The recipients truly demonstrate the Rotary philosophy of “Service Above Self”.
Aranda Kahaiali`i received the Individual Vocational Service Award. Amanda has served as the Homeless Case Manager for the Salvation Army-Lahaina Lighthouse Corps for over 8 years. During her presentation Amanda shared the challenges of this position that assists those in need – not only with physical needs, but with mental health issues. Amanda has demonstrated that she has a kind heart and is sincere in her efforts to make a difference of the lives of our West Side homeless population.
The Salvation Army Lahaina Lighthouse Corps was the recipient of the Non-Profit Vocational Service Award. Accepting the award was Envoy Kevin Nagasaki. Nagasaki has served as the director of the Lahaina Salvation Army for over 25 years. Envoy Kevin and his team of mostly volunteers provide so much more than the physical needs that the houseless community requires. During his presentation Envoy Nagasaki shared heartfelt stories of his time with this community. He shared his thanks to the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset along with 5A Rent-A-Space for providing a hot lunch for the houseless community four times a year.
Tropic Water was the recipient of the business Vocational Service Award. Accepting the award was Brandon Arnds, president of the company. Brandon shared his story about the “rocky start” of the company 15 years ago with only one client and many expenses. He discovered that by giving back to organizations “that make Maui special”, was the entrée to new clients and the company is now a thriving business endeavor. The list of organizations that Tropic Water has supported over the years is extensive. Recently Tropic Water provided water, ice and reusable bottles for the West Maui Health and Wellness Fair that was sponsored by 4 Coastal Rotary Clubs.
PHOTO:
Center L-R: Displaying the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset 2023 Vocational Service Awards are Aranda Kahaiali`i, Brandon Arnds, and Kevin Nagasaki. Presenting the awards was (L) Joanne Laird, Past President and (R) Katie Zimmerman, Community Service Chair.
Center L-R: Displaying the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset 2023 Vocational Service Awards are Aranda Kahaiali`i, Brandon Arnds, and Kevin Nagasaki. Presenting the awards was (L) Joanne Laird, Past President and (R) Katie Zimmerman, Community Service Chair.