More than 40 rotary clubs throughout Hawai'i are now under the leadership of 2008-2009 district governor Ayman El-Dakhakhni.

He said he will stress membership growth and Rotary Foundation giving during his term.

While growing up in Egypt, El-Dakhakhni became involved in Rotary youth programs and continued his participation when he came to Hawai'i in 1981, a news release said.

El-Dakhakhni, who is a transportation executive, joined the Rotary Club of Waikiki in 1992 and served as president from 1997 to 1998. He has administered polio vaccines to children in endemic countries as a part of national immunization days.

Rotary is made up of 1.2 million business, professional and community leaders worldwide. There are nearly 33,000 Rotary Clubs in 200 countries that heavily involved in public service.