HILO — On February 9, 2019, Hawaii Division held its 42nd Annual Recognition Awards at the ILWU Hilo Hall. Hawaii Division can always expect a large turnout for this event and this year was no exception. This year the event was back at the open air Hilo Hall instead of at Nani Mau Gardens its location for the past six years. “We got spoiled in the air conditioning,” joked Division Director Elmer Gorospe, “but here we are stronger than ever.”

Over 150 members, retirees and their families showed up to attend the event. After all, there is a lot to celebrate.

It is thanks to the members who step up to be part of negotiating committees in their work place that the units in Hawaii Division have good contracts and benefits.

Here are the winners this year: 
Outstanding Unit 100 + members in the Tourism grouping: Unit 1516 Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows Outstanding Unit 100 + members General Trades: Unit 1402 Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Services.
Outstanding Unit 30-99 members: Unit 1412 Yamada Diversified
Outstanding Unit 1-29 members: 
Unit 1413 Big Island Toyota
- Most active pension club Most Active Pension Club: Papaikou Pension Club
- Pension Club, Most New Members in 2018: tie Paauilo Club and Laupahoehoe Pension Club

Pictured above are members from Unit 1418 Kuwaye Trucking with Division Director Elmer Gorospe.

The Most Active Pension Club: Papaikou Pension Club.

Congratulations to Unit 1413 Big Island Toyota, pictured above.

Outstanding Unit with 100 + members Unit 1402 Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Services.

Unit 1424 Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.

Unit 1516 Mauna Lani Hotel members showed up strong to this event even though their hotel is undergoing renovations now and they are not working. They remain vigilant and mindful of their union contract and are hanging on!