(Above left) President Clyde Silva of The Pahala Pensioner Club, recruited the most new members in 2013, speaks in front of the five-member band “Makanau,” who provided the evening’s entertainment. (Above right) Mauna Kea Beach Hotel steward and emcee Tristie Licoan addresses the attendees.

HILO—Outstanding work should be recognized, and that is exactly what Hawaii Division did at the 37th Annual Recognition Awards Banquet on February 22, 2014 at the Nani Mau Gardens.

Over a hundred members, their spouses, pensioners and guests attended the event, which is held each year to honor and recognize members, units and pensioner clubs who work to strengthen and build the ILWU on the Big Island.

Hawaii Division pioneered the Recognition Awards Banquet as a big social event that would involve members and their families and give recognition to units for their outstanding union participation. The first awards banquet was held on January 27, 1978, in the Crown Room of the Naniloa Hotel. 

Pahala Pensioner Club President Clyde Silva began the banquet with an invocation. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Steward Tristie Licoan served as emcee and welcomed members, pensioners and guests to the dinner. She introduced Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe as the first speaker of the evening. Gorospe thanked the members, pensioners and their spouses for taking an active role in the union and “standing up,” particularly in organizing the unorganized.

“One of our proudest achievements,” said Gorospe “was welcoming the Front Office staff from the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa into the ILWU.” He went on to describe the uphill battle that the workers encountered. Gorospe then introduced and honored the general who led the fight in the trenches, Unit Chairperson Rose Molina.

The next speaker was Local Vice President Teddy Espeleta, who described how as a unit officer for Unit 2307 Maui Pineapple Company, he was acknowledged for his work done at the unit. That award inspired him to work harder for the unit and the union. He went on to congratulate all the winners and hoped that the award will inspire them as it did him, to be the best that they can be.

Outstanding Unit, 100 & Over: General Trades Unit 1402-00 Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.