DDSGM’s Message – 6/10/2020

June 10, 2020

Aloha Brothers and Sisters,

I hope you and your Ohana are keeping safe and remaining healthy during these uncertain and unfamiliar times.  This pandemic caused confusion and disruption for many of us, me included.  But on the bright side, amidst the confusion and disruption, the pandemic offered opportunities to practice patience, introspection, and resilience.  However, the greatest lesson learned is this, it is not about how we spend our time, but who we spend it with!

On a local level, your Lodge leaders continue to work diligently managing Lodge business and are preparing for a safe return to Lodge meetings.  Here is a list of scheduled meeting dates:

Canton Kamehameha Lodge No. 1 – Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – 6:00 PM
Polynesia Encampment No. 1 – Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – 6:30 PM
Harmony Lodge No. 3 – Tuesday, September 8, 2020 – 7:00 PM
Rebekah Lodge No. 1 – Tuesday, September 8, 2020 – 6:00 PM

While dark, Noble Grand Lau formed a COVID-19 Health & Safety Committee comprised of Lei Fountain, Chairman; and members, Jordana Ferreira, Patrick Uza and Nathan Ramos.  This committee established Lodge protocols necessary in protecting our members and their families when all Lodges resume meetings.  When returning to Lodge meetings be sure to bring a mask, prepare to practice social distancing and rest assured that hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed throughout the Lodge hall.  You should have received a letter from the committee that outlines the new procedures and expectations once meetings resume.  If you need to review the bullet points or for the latest Lodge information and updates, visit our website at:  http://www.ioofhawaii.org.

At the Sovereign Grand Lodge level, Sovereign Grand Master Nelson issued dispensation allowing Lodge leaders to go dark for as long as deemed necessary.  Many Lodges and Grand Lodges, globally, had gone dark with some Lodges slowly returning to general meetings and functions.  SGM Nelson also issued dispensation to cancel the Annual Communication in 2020 with safety, health and wellbeing of the attendees’ as it’s number one priority.  With the SGL Session cancelled, the Code of General Laws states that SGL Officers shall continue to hold their respective offices until the next succeeding session is held.  SGM Nelson and his Executive Officers will serve a second term in their respective positions and will relinquish their seats at the next SGL Session.  The 2021 SGL Session will be held in Cincinnati, OH when we welcome Chuck Lusk into office as our next Sovereign Grand Master.

Finally, I want to take this time to thank you, our members, for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this pandemic.  I look forward to the day when we can all convene again at the Lodge Hall, soon.  Stay safe, remain healthy and stay strong!

Fraternally and in FLT,
Steven Tseu,
DDSGM-Hawaii