LAHAINA – Two former presidents of Rotary clubs in Maui and California who have been active here announced the formation of the new Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset.

The new evening Rotary club will engage in monthly community service projects and host monthly socials, in addition to regular meetings with guest speakers.

The chief organizers of the new Rotary club are Liz May, general manager of AAAAA Rent-A-Space in Honokowai, and Jim Fahnestock, a former financial adviser.

May, a past president of the Rotary Club of Lahaina, played a key role in raising funds for the Lahaina Public Library restoration.

Fahnestock, a past president of the Rotary Club of San Carlos, California, chairs a community group for a West Maui condominium association.

Those interested in community service and business networking are invited to attend an information meeting on the new Rotary club on Tuesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Roy’s Kaanapali restaurant, 2290 Kaanapali Parkway. There will be a no-host bar, complimentary pupus and free parking.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will be the tenth Rotary club on Maui and the first new club since 2009.

The sunset club will meet weekly on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for drinks and pupus at a West Maui restaurant to be determined.

The club will be officially launched when 20 charter members commit to join. Eleven members have signed up in the first three weeks. The new club will be part of the global Rotary network of 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and territories.

The organizers point out the needs of the West Maui community are so great that a third Lahaina Rotary club will enable Rotarians to expand service to West Maui.

Plans for the new club have been endorsed by Rotary District Governor Phil Sammer.

In describing the objectives of the new club, the co-organizers want to enhance the quality of life for children and families in West Maui.

Each month, club members will engage with community organizations to assist in educational, environmental and civic activities.

“The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will provide a perfect opportunity for community-minded kama’aina to give back to the community and have fun doing it,” said May.

Fahnestock pointed out the business networking benefits available to members: “Since its founding in 1905, Rotary has worked effectively as a business networking organization, as well as a community service organization. Rotarians represent the highest ethical standards in their professions.”

For more information, or to register for the May 20 information meeting, call Fahnestock at (808) 214-5282 or May at (808) 669-5200.