Awarded to those who exemplify the highest ideals of volunteer service to a nonprofit organization and the Rotary's motto "Service Above Self," the award is also a fundraising vehicle for the club's Michael H. Lyons II Scholarship Fund. Originally created in honor of Rotarian Michael H. Lyons’ tireless community support, the award is named for the signature palaka shirts he wore and is presented to those who epitomize the community spirit of Lyons.
A former Hui No‘eau Board President, current Vice President, executive committee member, facilities committee member, development committee member as well as artist, patron, member and donor, John’s 10 years of participation and support of the nonprofit organization has been a critical tool to its success as a high-quality arts education resource center and historic community gathering place.
Believing whole-heartedly in the Hui’s mission to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education, John is committed to ensuring the Hui remains a public asset in our community for years to come. His leadership during the 2005 “Save the Hui, Buy Kaluanui” campaign was instrumental in purchasing the 25-acre estate, helping to raise $5.5 million by meeting with countless donors and securing $500,000 from the State. Recognizing the importance in stewarding the historic estate for all, John supported the establishment of the Kaluanui Preservation & Stewardship Program with the Facilities Master Plan Committee in order to protect the history, natural beauty, and continual community access of Kaluanui. As current Chair of the Facilities Committee, John takes personal responsibility in safeguarding a successful future for the Hui by overseeing the preservation of the estate and proactively exploring opportunities to meet the needs of our community through facility improvements and safety.
As a Rotarian for over 25 years and a former President of the Rotary Club of Maui, John takes the “Four-Way Test” to heart. During these challenging economic times, as Hui President and Vice President, John has helped lead the Hui through difficult decision making, always taking into account if the actions will be beneficial and fair to the staff, Hui No’eau and our community of artists, students, patrons and visitors. John’s countless hours of volunteerism and tenacity to ensure the Hui’s well-being exemplifies “Service Above Self” and transcends beyond his duties as a board member. Believing in the importance of community and giving back, John has also served as a Board Member of Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Past President and Director of Maui Country Club and is currently the Vice Chair of the Maui Board of Water Supply and is a Super Donor of the Blood Bank of Hawaii.
“Always caring, honest and sincere, John exudes the Aloha spirit,” remarks Hui Executive Director Caroline Killhour, “The Hui would not be the exceptional institution it is today without John’s participation and support.”
The Rotary Club of Kahului will recognize the 2012 finalists and announce the 2012 Palaka Award winner at the King Kamehameha Golf Club during a special luncheon on Friday, August 24. Please join us in congratulating John for being recognized for his formidable service to the arts, education, and community!
About Hui No`eau Visual Arts Center
The mission of Hui No`eau is to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education. The Hui provides a wide range of programs that support lifelong learning in the arts including public classes and visiting artist workshops, open studios, lectures, exhibitions, community art events, historical house tours and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations. One of the last of its kind on Maui, the Hui is a nonprofit, non-degree granting, community arts education organization offering open access to quality arts instruction by teaching artists. Our programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of artistic aptitude or ability to pay tuition.
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