Exalted Ruler’s Report – March 2024

March 1, 2024 | Exalted Ruler

Aloha 616 members! This is my last message to you as the Elks year will end on March 31st. Because of the Aloha Elk publication deadline, I’m unable to congratulate the winners by name of the newly elected officers and trustee. I wish them well in the coming Elks year.

Volunteerism in Elkdom is the heart of service for “our Elks for life.” I appreciate all the member volunteers (and some spouses too) who helped during the year in many different ways. The 616 volunteers take the time and effort to help with governance, keiki to kupuna activities, veteran services, our environment, the disabled, mentally ill, chronically ill, students in need, houseless and many more. The wellness and health activities provide for the social and personal health of members. The Exalted Ruler has the committee relationship and oversight and the board has its workgroups, all comprised of volunteers, which further the mission of our lodge.

The Elks Club has consistently met the social needs of members. Being open seven days a week involve many staff, working in the kitchen, at the dining tables, poolside and maintenance of the facilities and building, I say mahalo to all the staff and managers of the best club in Elkdom.

The lodge secretary’s office, five days a week, has managed all of the membership needs as specified by Grand Lodge and our lodge by-laws. No easy task but with the teamwork in the office, has done a great job to support our 5000 members.

My message this month started with the word “aloha.” Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable. The five Hawaii lodges share our indigenous Hawaiian heritage to all of Elkdom and I hope all 616 members continue to “share aloha, live aloha,” and as Elks, be forever mindful that “Elks Share – Elks Care”.

Calvin Hara

Exalted Ruler