Unit Chairpersons recognized for outstanding service in 2008 were Francis Kamakaokalani of Unit 2406 - Ameron (left) and Flora Vila of Unit 2509 - Four Seasons Lanai Resort (right).
Recognition of Unit Leadership Awards (female) were given to Linda Fernandez of Unit 2509 - Four Seasons Lanai Resort, pictured with Business Agent Teddy Espeleta (left), and Victoria Cabading of Unit 2505 - The Westin Maui (right).
Recognition of Unit Leadership Awards (male) were awarded to Cyrus Kodani of Unit 2516 - Hyatt Regency Maui, pictured with Business Agent Steve Castro, and Douglas Cabading of Unit 2306 - Maui Pineapple Co. (not pictured).
Lourdes Rivera of Unit 2505 - The Westin Maui receives one of the Unit Member Recognition Award (female) while Division Director William Kennison serves as M.C. Perlita Manlansing of Unit 2520 - Grand Wailea Resort (right) also received the Unit Member Recognition award.
Lehua Clubb accepts the Recognition of Unit, 301- 500 Members Award from Business Agents Steve West and Delbert DeRego.
Other Unit Recognition Awards were:
• Outstanding Unit, 1-100 Members—Unit 2406 - Ameron, Hawaiian Cement, Maui Blocks and Walker Industries
• Outstanding Unit, 101-300 Members—Unit 2107 - HC&S Clerks/ Technicians, Maui County FCU, Maui FCU, Maui Pineapple Co. Ltd. Clerks, and Valley Isle Community FCU
• Outstanding Unit, 501 or More Members—Unit 2516 - Hyatt Regency Maui.
Other individual awardees included:
• Recognition of Unit Member (male): Kelly Ruidas and Robert Zahl, both of Unit 2101 - HC&S Co.
• Recognition of Retiree: Ruby Yoshisato and Julia Davis, both of Unit 2306 - Maui Pineapple Co.
VEBA Trust Benefit Statements
If your unit voted to participate in the ILWU VEBA Trust, you should have received a “Benefit Statement” that shows how much was contributed on your behalf for 2005, 2006 and 2007.
This is not a bill. It shows you how much was contributed and where the gaps in contribution are. If you don’t have at least $36 credited to you each year, you may want to make a payment to bring your account up to date. Contact the plan administrator, Pacific Administrators, Inc., at 441- 8600 or 1-888-520-8078 for more information.
A VEBA Handbook of Benefits is also available at each Division. Call the Division Office or your Business Agent to obtain a copy. The handbook includes forms for “Continuation of Required Contributions” if you leave your unit and for “Supplemental Contributions” to add to your account.
One member who has made Supplemental Contributions is Eddie Sekigawa of Island Movers. An active member of his unit, Eddie also served on the Local Executive Board. Eddie said he sent in a check for $500 as an “investment in my future.” While he has some years to go before he reaches retirement age, Eddie as a wise member is already planning for his retirement. He said, “We should all plan for our future. Saving and investing just makes sense.”
If you’d like to add to your VEBA account, complete the Supplemental Contribution Form in your handbook and send in your payment. You can do this at any time.
Your Division board meetings
All ILWU members and retirees are welcomed and invited to attend their monthly Division Executive Board Meetings, which are held on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu.
This is a good opportunity to meet your fellow union members and hear reports on the work of your union. You can also ask questions and share your ideas on how your union can improve its work. Some Divisions have educational programs and guest speakers at these meetings. On Oahu, they’ll also provide some good food.
At right are the dates, times, and locations of these meetings.
• Maui - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm,Wailuku ILWU Hall Lower Main St.
• Hawaii - Last Friday of the month, 6:00 pm, alternates between Honokaa ILWU Hall and Hilo ILWU Hall.
• Kauai - 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:30 pm, Union Hall in Lihue.
• Oahu - 4th Friday of the month, 6:00 pm, 451 Atkinson Hall in Honolulu.