Maui FTOs with the unit bulletin editors recognized at the Maui Division Awards Dinner (l-r): Division Director Stephen Castro, Business Agent Steven Lee, Lourdes Rivera with the David E.Thompson Award for Statewide Excellence awarded to Seini Dennis, LaPhena Wahinehookai, Local Representative Cyrus Kodani, Emmanuel Baltazar accepting the award for Melissa Widing, Business Agent Stephen West, and Joseph Aquino.
Mark Gonsalves accepted the award for Francis Kamakaokalani of Unit 2406 – Ameron and Malia Waring were recognized as the Outstanding Unit Chairperson. Unit 2406 - Ameron, Hawaiian Cement, Maui Blocks and Walker Industries was recognized as the Outstanding Unit (101-300 members).
Jason Medeiros accepts the Outstand
KAHULUI, Maui—In what has become an annual event, Maui Division honored their outstanding units, members, and pensioners at a special awards dinner after the regular Division Executive Board (DEB) meeting on February 18, 2015.
Members from Lanai were also in attendance. Division Director Stephen Castro began the evening on a solemn note as he paid tribute to Representative Mele Carroll who passed away earlier in the day. Before leading a moment of silence, Castro remarked, “For decades, Mele served the community at all levels, and with so much heart. She was a strong advocate of the working family and was always there to listen and got things done. Mele will be greatly missed.”
Local Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura was the next speaker and he also paid tribute to Representative Carroll. “Today is an extremely sad day because we lost a very close and dear friend of the ILWU,” said Fujimura. “She was always there when we needed help.”
Fujimura reflected on the ILWU as being, “The single force that fought for political, social and economic justice. The ILWU united all races and treated all workers as one. Our principle is everyone is a worker.”
He further said, “The union movement brought forth the middle class. ILWUorganized agricultural workers became the highest paid agricultural workers in the entire world. But all of that we have won can be taken away by the stroke of a pen.” Fujimura encouraged everyone to work harder to spread the word about the ILWU. “Each individual and unit deserves an award. Today, we have to reflect and celebrate who we are.”
Local Vice President Teddy Espeleta and Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe were also in attendance, but did not speak.
And the award goes to . . .
Seini Dennis of Unit 2505 - The Westin Maui won the David E. Thompson Award for Statewide Excellence for the outstanding unit bulletin she produces for her members. Joseph Aquino, the editor for Unit 2101 - HC&S, received the runner-up award. Melissa Widing, the editor for Unit 2520 - Grand Wailea Resort and LaPhena Wahinehookai, the editor for Unit 2516 - Hyatt were recognized for the high quality bulletins they produce for their respective units.
The Outstanding Unit Chairperson awards were given to Malia Waring of Unit 2510 - Montage Kapalua Renaissance and Francis Kamakaokalani of Unit 2406 - Ameron.
Unit 2520 - Grand Wailea Resort members, Perlita Manlansing and Emmanuel Baltazar were recognized as the Outstanding Unit Leadership for the year.
The Outstanding Unit Member awards went to Patricia Balderas of Unit 2505 - Kaanapali Beach Hotel and Alex Ajolo of Unit 2505 - The Westin Maui.
Richard Mukogawa and Nora Racoma were chosen for the Outstanding Pensioner award.
The award for Outstanding PAC Chair was bestowed to Jason Medeiros.
Outstanding Units
The Outstanding Unit award is categorized based on the number of members in the unit. The following units were recognized for their achievements in 2014.
• 1-100 members: Unit 2401 - Pulama Lanai.
• 101-300 members: Unit 2406 - Ameron, Hawaiian Cement, Walker Industries and Maui Blocks.
• 301-500 members: Unit 2526 - Andaz Maui at Wailea.
• 501 or more members: Unit 2520 - Grand Wailea Resort.
I’ll remember my first
DEB After much prodding from regular attendees of the Division Executive Board meetings, Ariane-Joyce Impelido of Unit 2408 - Foodland–Kahului #20 and Harrison Aranaydo of Unit 2520 - Grand Wailea Resort and Spa attended their first DEB meeting. Ariane-Joyce, a 13-year member was asked, “What prompted you to attend?” Sister Ariane-Joyce responded, “Recently—at our store—a worker had an issue that was resolved only after a grievance was filed. After I saw how the grievance procedure works,” said ArianeJoyce, “I wanted to get involved and learn how the union works.”
Brother Harrison has been an active member of his unit for 12 years. Harrison said, “Dickson Manzano has been encouraging me to attend the DEB and reap all the benefits by attending. Today, I received a lot of information and got to hear Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura’s speech on the ILWU. I was inspired and will definitely attend future meetings and encourage my fellow workers to attend.”
Each division holds a DEB meeting once every month to discuss and make decisions on division issues as well as to keep members informed about Divisionwide happenings. All unit officers should attend the meetings on behalf of their membership. Any member in good standing is encouraged to attend their DEB meeting. Food and refreshments are provided before the meetings. If you drive to attend the meetings you will be reimbursed at the current rate of 50 cents per mile. Participation is the key to a successful union.
Outstanding Unit (501 or more members) Award winning Unit 2520 – Grand Wailea Resort and Spa members Perlita Manlansing, Lei Sato, Merlina Valdez, Emmanuel Baltazar, Henry Oandasan, Harrison Aranaydo, and Dickson Manzano with Business Agent Stephen West (back).
(Above, left) Venancio Garduque, Unit Chairperson accepting the Outstanding Unit (301-500 members) Award Unit 2526 – Andaz Maui at Wailea. (Above, right) First time DEB attendees with Maui FTOs (l-r): Business Agent Bobby Andrion, Ariane-Joyce Impelido, Division Director Stephen Castro, Harrison Aranaydo, and Business Agent Stephen West.