Paltin

LAHAINA – Officially chartered by Rotary International, the new Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will sponsor a unique candidates’ forum on Oct. 7 featuring Mayor Alan Arakawa and West Side candidate Tamara Paltin.

The second in the club’s series of political forums will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort’s Ocean Terrace.

The event is open to the public. To reserve a place, call club Co-President Liz May at (808) 721-5909. The forum for West Maui County Council candidates attracted a standing-room-only crowd.

Arakawa and Paltin will each answer a wide range of questions prepared by the club, covering all the important issues in this election season.

“We will use the best questions regardless of source,” May said. Readers can e-mail suggested questions to “mailto:liz5a@aol.com”>liz5a@aol.com.

Arakawa

With the two candidates who received the most votes in the August primary present, it will be a fast-paced discussion.

Jim Fahnestock, co-president, noted that involvement in Rotary offers the opportunity to hear interesting speakers on topics ranging from Hawaiian culture to how different groups serve the community, participate in service projects and attend get-acquainted socials.

“Our club wants to increase its membership above 27, so that we will have more people who can work on community service projects,” May said.

Lahaina’s new club is one of ten Rotary Clubs on Maui. It may also be the youngest in terms of age, with more than a majority of young professionals in their twenties and thirties. One of the big benefits is that younger members bring with them fresh ideas, Fahnestock noted.

One of the main attractions for professionals is that this evening club allows for participation after work.

People interested in learning about joining are encouraged to attend the forum. More information and photos of club activities are available at rotarycluboflahainasunset.blog.org.