While many other organizations have suspended operations due to COVID-19, The Lions Club of Kona, like many other Lions Clubs, took to Zoom, to install its newly elected club officers for 2020-21.
Attending the club’s installation was District 50-Hawaii Lions’ leadership team comprising District Gov. Angie Haramoto, District Gov. Elect Garrett Ogawa, first Vice District Gov. Elect-Mitch Tam, and second Vice District Gov. Elect Gary Nip from Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.
With over 30 attendees watching, the c lub welcomed 2020-21 President Norma Matsumoto, first Vice President Rodney McGee, Secretary Sharlaine Gampon, Treasurer Steven Kaneko to their positions. In addition, the club welcomed the following to their leadership roles: David Bowden (membership chairperson), Glenn Uchimura (Lion Tamer), Maurice Kahawaii (Tail Twister) and Joseph Gusman and Noreen Kunitomo as Club Directors.
Since the club’s chartering in 1934, its members have worked on a variety of projects in the local community, such as hearing/vision screenings, food drives, park cleanups, and sponsorship of the Konawaena High Leo Club. Proceeds from past fundraising events have gone to the Konawaena High School graduating seniors. The club, which has 71 members, is currently working with The Food Basket, as well as the production and distribution of faceshields and masks in the community.
The club is currently meeting the first Monday evening of each month via Zoom. For more information or to get involved with the Lions Club of Kona, contact Mitch Tam at (808) 756-3838 or via email to lionmitch@gmail.com