For Labor Day 2002, the ILWU collaborated with other unions in several activities statewide to celebrate the labor holiday.

Oahu On Oahu, 

the fourth annual “Labor in Concert” was held on September 1 at Waikiki Shell, sponsored by the Hawaii State AFL-CIO. Some 25 unions participated by putting on displays featuring their unions, giving out hot dogs, soda, water, popcorn and other free food, and assisting overall in everything from parking to entertainment for the event that lasted all afternoon and evening. Admission was free. 

More than 10,000 union members and their families attended the event. Kids enjoyed a mini-train ride, a bouncer, rock-climbing, and various games like the ILWU’s wheel-spin. Music began at 2:30 rivaling other Waikiki Shell concerts with its line-up of 16 groups like The Mana‘o Company, Ekolu, Pati, Three Plus and Cecilio & Kapono. This year, the concert was enhanced by a big screen to allow those in the back of the Shell to better see the action on stage. 

An annual crowd-pleaser was the union karaoke contest, which pitted representatives from 11 unions in a friendly contest for cash prizes. Steven Tui of Schuman Carriage represented the ILWU and took the third-place prize of $250. “Labor in Concert” was co-chaired by Guy Fujimura of ILWU and Lynn Kinney of Painters and Allied Trades.

Maui 

Working together with the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and the Oahu committee, Maui unions were able to secure many big-name entertainers for Maui’s Labor Day celebration on August 24 and drew some 3,000 union members and their families. Willie Kennison of ILWU and Alton Watanabe of HGEA co-chaired the event.

With support from community leaders like Mayor Kimo Apana, the evening offered lots of good music, good food, and good company. It was the biggest union event on Maui for some time. Dwayne Moleta of Walker Industries took first place in the karaoke contest, winning $500. [Congresswoman Patsy Mink spoke at the concert in perhaps her last public speaking engagement.]

Hawaii 

Big Island unions worked together with various community groups to celebrate Labor Day with a focus on the “Dignity of Work” as the theme for a week of activities including an employers fair, a job fair, and a Community Day at the Park on September 2. Mayor Harry Kim proclaimed Dignity of Work Week 2002. Activities emphasized the value and dignity of all work and the importance of building community.

Labor Day Parade 

The Hawaii State AFL-CIO also sponsored a parade on Labor Day with more than 20 unions participating. Grand marshal for the parade was our own Ah Quon McElrath, who led the parade riding a convertible. In her speech at a rally following the parade, A.Q. urged unions to “engage the rank and file so that they understand the issues that affect their lives.” She said, “We must preserve that which we have gained and move ahead with new ideas in light of the massive changes in our political economy.”

The ILWU contingent in the parade included a trolley filled with pensioners, a walking unit handing out ILWU fans, and a unit of more than 60 ILWU members riding their motorcycles and wearing black ILWU t-shirts. Organized by Mike Hansen of McCabe, the ILWU bike unit was clearly one of the most impressive in the parade.

Labor pride 

Labor Day 2002 was a day of rest for most union members, but also a day to have fun with families and to show pride in being UNION. As demonstrated by the cooperation among all unions, labor solidarity is alive and well in Hawaii.

Former ILWU social worker Ah Quon McElrath was the Oahu Labor Day Parade Grand Marshall.

The Maui Division Labor Day celebration was well attended by local politicians and political hopefuls. (L-r) Rep. Joe Souki, Unit 2406 - Hawaiian Cement Treasurer Casey Del Dotto and wife Tina, Senate Dist. 5 candidate Roz Baker, and Business Agents Delbert DeRego, Willie Kennison and Bill Drury. Both Souki and Baker are endorsed by the ILWU.

(Above) Maui Division Political Action Committee (PAC) Chair Donna Domingo and former Division Director John Arisumi with retirees who volunteered to work at the water, soda and voter registration booths. (Below) Local SecretaryTreasurer Guy Fujimura (r) with Joan Manke, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and John Mink at the Maui Labor Day event.

Labor in Concert at the Waikiki Shell drew a crowd of more than 10,000 union members and families.

Keiki enjoyed games, a big bouncer, rock climbing and mini-train rides

Shoji Okazaki, Bette Fujisaki, Mitsue Thompson, and James King of the Oahu “Pau Hana” pension club ride the ILWU trolley with Local President Eusebio “Bo” Lapenia Jr.

ILWU longshore bike riders wore their ILWU t-shirts with pride and showed off their Harleys during the Labor Day Parade on Oahu. More than 60 ILWU bikers participated in the event.