New Lions Club of Kona Officers Installed; Nearly 90 Years of Service Celebrated

The Lions Club of Kona is now under new leadership and just beginning its 89th “Lionistic” year.

Club officers for 2022-23 were recently installed and the club celebrated its 88th anniversary of service to the communities of West Hawai‘i.

This years installed officers are:

• Rodney McGee, president.
• Sharlaine Transfiguracion Gampon, first vice president.
• Ilihia Gionson, second vice president.
• Debbie Mabuni, secretary.
• Joseph Gusman, treasurer.
• Maurice Kahawaii, tail twister.
• Glenn Uchimura, Lion tamer.
• Mitch Tam, membership chair and program chairperson.
• Norma Matsumoto, Lions Clubs International Foundation club coordinator.
• Makana Amadis Tabar, marketing chairperson.
• Vince Mott, one-year director.
• Shari Ann Ogi, two-year director.
• Jack Vore, zone chairperson.

With the slow decline of COVID-19 numbers, club officers and members are excited to get back to serving the community in person soon.

Chartered on June 19, 1934, the Lions Club of Kona is the third oldest Lions club in the state and is the largest Lions club in the islands. It has a history of providing hearing and vision screening for many elementary schools, conducting health fairs and has sponsored and supported the Konawaena High School Leo Club. Through its charitable foundation, the club also adopted Harold Higashihara Park in Honalo, as well has provided thousands of dollars each year to Konawaena High graduating seniors.

The Lions Club of Kona has 83 members and meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of every month on the second floor of Teshima’s restaurant in Kealakekua.

Lions are a men and women who identify needs within their communities and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Lions Club of Kona, contact Mitch Tam at KonaLionsMembership@gmail.com.