ROY KING Q & A:
1. What inspired you to join Rotary and when did you become a Member?
I had aged out of the Jaycees and was looking for other community service opportunities when I was invited by John Henry Felix to join Waikiki Rotary. Rotary was known and respected as the best service club in the world, and I was honored to be invited. I was inducted into the Rotary Club of Waikiki on November 27. 1967.
2. What has been your most memorable project or experience, And why?
I would like to comment on both the project and the experience. My most memorable project was participating in a Polio Immunization project in Ghana. in 2000. My wife, Gloria, and I joined a group of Rotarians from California and Hawaii that travelled to Ghana to conduct this Polio immunization program with local Rotarians. We did good work and learned about the Ghana culture and Rotary projects. The Rotary hospitality was outstanding and we initiated an International service project. My most memorable experience was serving as District Governor in 1999-2000. I got to visit all 38 clubs and meet many of our 1,850 Hawaii members. The clubs had meaningful community service projects and every club participated in an international service project. As District Governor, I attended Rotary International Conventions and met Rotarians from all over the world. I also got to know our top Rotary International leaders.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a member of our club?
The fellowship. Lifelong friendships develop as we work on community and international projects and enjoy social activities. Rotary is my social event of the week!
4. What are your hobbies, interests, or favorite way to spend your free time?
Participating in the meetings of the Antique Automobile Club of America and maintaining my 1929 Ford. Home maintenance, reading, Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
5. If you could encourage someone to join Rotary in one sentence what would you say?
If you want to get to know the leaders in our community, advance your career opportunities, do meaningful projects locally and internationally, and make lifelong friends, you should really join Rotary.
6. If there is one project you would like for Waikiki to work on to contribute a lasting impact, what would that be?
Work with the Legislature and the Department of Education to develop a curriculum to teach true American History, the Constitution and Civic responsibility for grades seven through twelve.