2021

Rotarians Respond to Floods

Rotarians from three different Oahu clubs, Hawaii Kai, West Pearl Harbor, and Metropolitan Honolulu Clubs, came together at a northern Oahu farm to help recover the place that was greatly affected by flood waters and rivers of mud.

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The Green Growers farm in Hauula has been an asset to the local agricultural economy since the 1950’s. The father of Terry Shintaku, a local boy with a degree in agriculture, bought the land in 1954 and it has been producing ever since. Terry continued his father’s footsteps in producing vine-ripened Beefsteak tomatoes and also lettuce.  Most of the products goes to local restaurants, and families can also get their produce there too.

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However, the recent devastating rains brought streams of water and mud running through Terri’s tomatoes and lettuce beds. The crops were destroyed and equipment and material were displaced. There were mud everywhere! 

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Hence, to restore the farm, Rotarians and their guests joined Terri and his small staff in clearing the area of debris. Irrigation pipes were also collected and stacked, as well as as truckloads of torn plastic sheets that was initially used in the tomato beds had to be gathered and loaded for removal.

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Despite slipping and sliding in the fresh mud, shoes getting stuck in the muck, gloves that kept hands somewhat clean while arms, face, and clothing became covered with the ubiquitous mud, all rotarians shared a good time. Laughs were everywhere! All the volunteers remained happy and chipper. 

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At the end of the day, connections were made among Rotarians who had not met before, ideas for future joint service projects were discussed, and everyone left satisfied of having been of service.