HONOLULU—Maui Division Business Agent Teddy Espeleta was invited as a guest of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa to attend a welcome dinner reception for Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III on November 13, 2011. Nearly 1,000 local Filipinos welcomed the Philippine president at the reception held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel in Waikiki. The dinner was organized by the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee (PCCC).
“President Aquino noted the importance of the Filipino community in Hawaii, which is the largest population of Filipinos in the United States,” explains Teddy. “Aquino stressed the importance of building a partnership with Hawaii and creating a better economy for both countries.”
Unfortunately, with tight security and a high demand for the president’s attention by Hawaii’s dignitaries, Teddy was not able to take a picture with the president. But for Teddy, it was an honor to attend an event that celebrated the Filipino community in Hawaii.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa wins community service award
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa won the Pacific Business News’ Community Spirit Awards at the 2011 Business Leadership Hawaii (BLH) dinner and awards event at the Sheraton Waikiki on October 7th.
ile employees began building a community of living aloha through the creation of the Hoolokahi Council. The council sets the goals and direction for the resort’s community participation.
Employees have shown strong support in participating in various events for Maui United Way, American Cancer Society, Friends of Lahainaluna, Seabury Hall, Kupuna Holiday dinner, Charity Walk, American Red Cross, Toys for Tots, Maui Food Bank, Theatre Maui, Associate Assistance, Na Lamaku, Associate Enrichments Program and the list continues to grow.
Hawaii’s Plantation Village honors ILWU Local 142 and Tony Bise
Hawaii’s Plantation Village honored ILWU Local 142 and former Oahu Sugar unit leader Tony Bise at their 4th Annual Plantation Legacy Awards fundraiser and dinner on September 17, 2011. The fundraiser also honored Tosh Hosoda, Moses “Uncle Moke” Pakaki, Charles and Beverly Keever, and Esperanza Garcia.
Tony Bise worked as a machinist at Oahu Sugar Company, and was involved in organizing the union in the sugar industry. He was a leader during the Great Sugar Strike of 1946 and in played an important role in developing the ILWU’s housing program. Bise is still active in the Ewa Villages community and with the ILWU.
Bise was unable to attend the fundraiser in his honor, but ILWU Oahu Division Director Dave Mori and former Oahu Sugar unit officers Rudolfo Ramos and Adrian Lobetos were on hand to receive the honor on his behalf. Mori also accepted a legacy award on behalf of the ILWU.
ILWU Kauai Division participates in Lihue Christmas parade
ILWU Kauai Division members, officers, staff and retirees participated in this year’s Christmas parade in downtown Lihue. (L-r) Jayelle Bray, Alna Sapalasan, Doreen Kua, Business Agent Pamela Green, Ipo KamokuDeMello, Division Director Michael Machado, Mia Pauletto, and retired Business Agent Jesus Guirao.
Unit 4414 - Ball Corporation takes Oahu basketball championship
HONOLULU—The ILWU Oahu Division wrapped up its basketball league on Saturday, December 3, 2011, with an undefeated champion— ILWU Unit 4414 - Ball Corporation—who earned a stellar 4-0 record.
The Ball Corporation team had only five members, so each member played the whole game, every game. The scores for the final games held on Saturday, December 3 at the Kaimuki Recreation Center on Waialae Avenue were:
GAME 1—Ball Corporation 71/Pepsi Beverages Co. 56
GAME 2—Pepsi Beverages Co. 57/Dole Food Co., Wahiawa Plantation 43
GAME 3—Love’s Bakery Inc.65/Hawaii Logistics, LLC 52
