Rain couldn’t slow down the spirit in Hilo at Harry Kamoku Hall this February. Despite the weather, pensioners, members, officers, and staff showed up strong for the Hawaiʻi Division Recognition Awards Banquet—proving once again that nothing keeps union members from showing up for each other.

This year’s paniolo theme brought out the western-style boots, cowboy hats, and a whole lot of camaraderie. Plaid and palaka filled the room, along with laughter, stories, and the kind of energy that reminds you what this union is all about. Members enjoyed a great meal prepared by our own, continuing a proud tradition. As always, Nelson Cabay of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut, LLC 1402-00 delivered—cooking a whole pig and serving up ono goat pūpūs that kept people coming back for seconds.

Business Agents Anthony Alonzo, Michael Dela Cruz, Dylan Gaspar, Tristie Licoan, Roselyn Molina, and Jennifer Yadao, alongside Division Director Elmer Keola Gorospe Sr. and Custodian Malcolm Okazaki, rolled up their sleeves to serve a hearty dinner featuring barbecue chicken, western-style chili, and grilled sirloin.

Celebrating What Makes Us Strong
The heart of the evening, though, was recognition. The Hawaiʻi Division took time to honor units whose dedication and commitment have strengthened the union over the past year—not just through contracts, but through the everyday work of building connection, communication, and leadership among the membership.

Among this year’s awardees was the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Unit, where the Unit Executive Board, led by Chair Kanoe Ramos, has made major strides in building a stronger Union culture. From launching a new Member orientation to improving communication with Members throughout the year, their work reflects what it means to actively grow the Union—not just maintain it.

Unit 1424 at Yukio State Veterans Home was also recognized for their hard work and commitment over the past year, continuing to show what steady, dedicated leadership looks like on the ground.

Moments like these matter, because the simple truth is that you are what you celebrate.
When we take the time to recognize members who step up—who organize, communicate, and bring others along—we reinforce those values across the entire Union. We remind ourselves that leadership isn’t just titles, it’s action. It’s consistency. It’s showing up.
Celebrating that work doesn’t just honor the individuals and Units—it sets the standard for what we expect from each other moving forward.

The evening also took a moment to recognize Ron Clough, who recently retired after years of dedicated service as the Union’s Lead Organizer. Having spent much of his time working alongside Members in the Hawaiʻi Division, Ron became a familiar and respected presence across the island.

His passion for organizing and commitment to growing the Union left a lasting impact—bringing in new Members, strengthening units, and always pushing the work forward. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on in the Members and leaders he helped develop along the way.

Music, Memories, and Looking Ahead
Following the awards, Big Island musician Pōkiʻi Seto kept the night alive with his smooth voice and guitar, playing everything from Hawaiian classics to favorites from Olomana and Kalapana. It was the perfect soundtrack to a night rooted in community, connection, and a little paniolo flair.

As the evening wound down, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a banquet—it was a reflection of the Union at its best.

Looking ahead, next year’s theme will be Filipino Barrio, and if this year was any indication, it’s going to be another strong showing. Keep an eye out for announcements.
Because when we come together to celebrate each other, we’re not just looking back—we’re building the kind of Union we want to be.