Members of the Sons of Hawaii-Maui Chapter take pride in their community service.

The Sons of Hawaii Motorcycle Club is gathering together on Molokai this year for the annual Chapter President’s Meeting on President’s Day weekend, Feb. 11 through 15.

Founded in 1953 on Oahu, the Sons of Hawaii have chapters on all major islands, except Lanai, with a total statewide membership of approximately 60.

“In previous years,” President John Cluney told the Lahaina News, “members of the Maui Chapter have visited Molokai and traditionally provided a local Molokai nonprofit with a gift to foster good will between ourselves and island residents.”

This has become tradition for the Sons of Hawaii-Maui Chapter since 2010. “When you visit someone, it is a Hawaiian custom to bring makana, a gift,” Cluney explained.

Benevolence is also written into the governing documents as one of the club’s top objectives.

Beneficiaries of the motorcycle club’s philanthropy on the Friendly Isle have been Na Pu’uwai, Native Hawaiian Health Care System serving both Molokai and Lanai; Molokai Special Olympics; Ka Hale Pomaika’i Recovery Center in U’alapue; and, in partnership with another motorcycle club, a Molokai Toy Giveaway.

Maui has also benefited from the good deeds of the Sons of Hawaii. Some of its most visible efforts include helping the Christmas season Toys for Tots drive, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, King Kekaulike High School, Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete and Maui Matsuri Festivals.

The club has also participated in several private, individual fundraising efforts to assist with medical expenses.

“Realistically, there are so many events, I keep losing track,” Cluney observed.

“We are a club that takes pride in giving to the deserving,” Cluney advised.

The Maui, Kauai and Oahu chapters will jointly present the makana in 2016 to the Molokai Veterans Helping Veterans organization.

“We recognize the sacrifices military veterans have made. We know of those who continue to sacrifice; the many with health issues, many with mental health issues.”

New President Cluney noted that the veterans’ facility in Kaunakakai is still undergoing work.

“We hope our gift can be of use to get some of the unfinished projects done,” he said.