LIHUE—“Kauai, ’as why.” The holiday season brings people together to count their blessings. Kauai’s recognition ceremony happened fittingly around the holidays to give thanks to the members who make the union strong.

LIHUE—Kauai held their 6th annual recognition banquet on December 16, 2016 at Kauai ILWU Union Hall in Lihue. Active members, pensioners and their families played blackjack, Portuguese Horseshoe and Wheel of Fortune at the Casino Night-themed event, ate delicious food, and settled into a night of fellowship.

Yearly tradition 
In the past, Kauai held their recognition night much less often than once a year. However, because the union has so many active and engaged members worthy of acknowledgment, the awards have become a yearly event. Or as Division Director Pamela Green said, “It’s good that a recognition ceremony happens every year so everyone can eventually be recognized. Ideally, everyone should get an award, to show how important they are not just to their units but to the division as a whole. All of their leadership strengthens the union.”

Powerful legacy 
Dolly DeCosta (“Aunty Dolly”), widow of Frank DeCosta, opened the night on a powerful note. Before everyone could start eating the ono food catered from Wilcox Hospital, she offered a prayer that invoked the rich history of ILWU and requested strength and guidance for our union leaders. Aunty Dolly is an active pensioner, and credits her husband’s legacy in the Kauai Division for her passion about the union.

Among those moved by Aunty Dolly’s prayer was Rhonda Morris, recipient of the award for outstanding unit leader.

Morris, surprised and honored by the recognition said, “Fighting is what I like to do. So I just fight for the right thing. Don’t mess with my members!”

Better together 
Aunty Dolly’s prayer struck a chord with the audience because of the union’s enduring message: individuals are stronger together. And when individual workers rise up to lead, this participation can reach a critical mass, empowering workers to improve their work lives.

At the beginning of the night everyone sat at their own individual tables with their units, but towards the end, everyone gathered to sit at the same table. They all had so many stories to share with each other.

“This is the union’s power to bring people together around a common cause,” said Local Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura, who attended the event. “Recognition night is always a special moment to celebrate this message of solidarity.”

All photos courtesy of Michael Machado.

Division Representative Jesse Vaughn, Business Agent Calvin Corpuz, Outstanding Leader of 2016 Liberty Mateo-Corpuz, and Outstanding Unit Leader Rhonda Morris.

“Aunty Dolly” DeCosta.

Jayelle Bray and Diana Lopez of Unit 3410 - Wilcox Medical Center.

Evelyn Javillonar, Unit Chair at The Point at Poipu with Kauai Division Director Pamela Green. (Right) Members and pensioners enjoyed a variety of casino-themed games at the awards night.

Clockwise from left: Elsie Takata, Aunty Dolly DeCosta, Eveline Malina, Violet Lumabao.