For the 36th year in a row, Hawaii Division held its Recognition Awards Banquet on February 23, 2013, to honor and recognize members, units, and pensioner clubs who have demonstrated leadership in supporting the ILWU and promoting its programs. And as it has in many of those nights, it rained in Hilo. But despite the sound of pounding rain and coqui frogs, the program was filled with camaraderie, music, food, and aloha
Emceed by Burton Wallen III, unit chair at Mauna Loa Mac Nut, the program started with a blessing of the food by Sui Sin Coloma, Senior Clerk. Following introduction of guests, which included Local Officers Donna Domingo and Teddy Espeleta, Division Directors Michael Machado (Kauai) and Steve Castro (Maui), and Brian Tanaka representing Oahu Division Director Michael Yamaguchi, the emcee called upon Elmer C. Gorospe, Sr., Hawaii Division Director for words of welcome.
Our unsung heroes
Gorospe thanked everyone for coming, despite the dreary weather, and pointed out that Recognition Night was an opportunity to remember and thank those who serve the Division but also the unsung heroes—the wives, husbands, children and significant others—who allow their loved ones to support the union. He noted that our union struggle is more important than one personality or another and that we are far from perfect and will make mistakes. But Gorospe said his administration of the Division will be one of “transparency, inclusiveness and compassion.” He welcomes new ideas and will revisit old ones as well. He pointed out that “wisdom is gained by trial and error,” and asked for guidance from the members and retirees.
Gorospe introduced his staff: Business Agents Greg Gauthier, George Martin, Corinna Salmo, Delbert DeRego and Francine Molina; Division Clerk Sui Sin Coloma; and Custodian Malcolm Osaki. Division Clerk Ann Chong was not able to attend. He also recognized the spouses of the staff who were in attendance.
Donna Domingo was introduced as the first woman president of the ILWU Local 142. Domingo said she served the Local for the past nine years as Vice President and is pleased and humbled to now serve as President. She commended Hawaii Division for being a leader to the rest of the Union with this tradition of Recognition Night that honors active members and pensioners.
Domingo extended support to the Hawaii Division team and is gratified by its new vision and energy. When she was elected Vice President in 2004, she looked to then-President Fred Galdones for his mentorship and guidance. She publicly thanked Galdones, who was in the audience, for his support as well as the kindness and support of other full-time officials and members.
Domingo noted that 2013 started off with a bang. After a 10-year battle, the ILWU finally has a contract at Pacific Beach Hotel. The ILWU persevered and would not walk away from the fight and ended up with a win that was through a great team effort. We are proud to have the workers of Pacific Beach Hotel as members, and they are proud to be ILWU.
Members from Unit 1402, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation do everything in a group so they attended the banquet as a group and take their picture as a group (along w/ B.A. Gregory Gauthier and Hawaii Division Director Elmer C. Gorospe, Sr in the background).
Pension club winners
Emcee Burton called on George Martin and Francine Molina, past and current Division Pensioner Coordinators, to announce the winners of the pensioner club awards: the Pepeekeo Club for the Most Activities and the Laupahoehoe Club for the Most New Members.
Unit awards went to: Unit 4402 - Love’s Bakery with 1-29 members and Unit 1421 - Sack N Save Downtown Hilo for units with 30-99 members; Unit 1503 - Mauna Kea Resort Services for tourism units with 100+ members; Unit 1402 - Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut for general trades units with 100+ members. Rep. Clift Tsuji provided legislative certificates to all four units.
Unit 1503 Mauna Kea Resort Services won the award for tourism units with 100 or more members. From left to right: Delbert DeRego, Cathleen Ishizu, Elmber C. Grosope, Sr and Tristie Licoan.
Laupahoehoe Pension Club President Tom Poy; former Division Pensioner Coordinator George Martin; Laupahoehoe Pension Club Treasurer Mrs. Beatrice Cabral; Division Pensioner Coordinator Francine Molina; and Laupahoehoe Pension Club Advisor George Cabral.
Retirees recognized
Recognition Night also recognized particular individuals who retired during the past year. Unfortunately, all of them were not able to attend the event due to illness and the weather, but they were honored with special messages from the members they served who will miss their presence.
Wilma Revilla, past chair of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, was recognized by fellow member Mercedes Habab, who thanked Revilla for never letting the company “work us over.” Habab said Revilla was a strong, principled leader who wanted women to be recognized within the union and by the company.
Wallace A. Ishibashi Jr., past Hawaii Division Director, was recognized by Gladys Ablao of Hamakua Health Center. Ablao said Ishibashi was their business agent and always there for the members. She wished him well in retirement.
Richard Baker Jr., past Hawaii Division Director, was recognized by Juanita Pedra, who worked with Baker and the Division for many years as PAC Coordinator. She saw how hard he worked and was inspired to become a better union member. She said he looks happier now that he’s retired and with his two grandchildren—“no stress.”
Isaac Fiesta Jr., past Local President, was recognized by Ernesto Ballo of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P. Keaau Division. Ballo said Fiesta started as a Business Agent, diligently serving Ballo’s unit in Keaau, then was elected President. Born and raised in Honomu, Fiesta did a great job and will be missed.
Although the rain continued, some drove to their homes as far away as Pahala to the south and Waimea to the north while others stayed to enjoy the karaoke provided by FTOs, members and guests. For Big Island natives, a “little” rain does not deter driving or having a good time.
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