HONOLULU—Outstanding work should be recognized, and that is exactly what Oahu Division did as they honored some very deserving members and retirees at a special Division Executive Board dinner meeting on February 15, 2002.

The presentation itself was a group effort—Division Director Ray Camacho would announce the category; the business agent of the unit involved would present the award; and the recipient would often say a few words of thanks.

Two on-the-job stewards earned special recognition as Steward of the Year—Mary Henry of Unit 4420 - Kapiolani Hospital and Kurt Ishihara from Unit 4411 - Schuman Carriage. As he presented the award to Mary, business agent Brian Tanaka explained she was the first and only member to ever call him on the phone and volunteer to be a steward. Kurt credited his success as a steward to “a lot of good teachers”—mainly his unit officers and business agents.

The Division presented the Inspirational Award to the Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Unit, which is still fighting for justice after the hotel was sold and 200 members lost their jobs. Division Director Ray Camacho explained that former members of the hotel, including William Udani and Leticia Pauso, testified in support of legislation that would prevent this from happening again by protecting workers’ jobs when a business is sold.

Charlie Sham, from Unit 4403 - Hawaii Baking, and Ruby Shimabukuro, from Unit 4405 - Foodland, were recognized as the top Unit Leaders of the Year. In accepting his award, Charlie explained the union itself gave him the opportunity to make a contribution to his fellow workers. “What I love about this union is that it empowered me,” said Charlie. “If something is not right, you can stand up to your boss.”

Ruby and co-editor Mary Ann Abregano won the Statewide Unit Editor of the Year award for the outstanding unit bulletin they produce for members of Foodland Supermarket. The bulletin played an important role in educating and mobilizing members during difficult contract negotiations with management. Dorothy Sakamoto was honored as the Oahu Unit Editor of the Year for the high quality of the bulletin she produces for Unit 4301 - Dole Fresh Fruit.

The Community Service award went to George Cox, of Unit 4409 - Island Movers, and Darlene Palmerton, of Del Monte - Kunia.

Unit 4419 - Pacific Machinery, Unit 4411 - Schuman Carriage, and Unit 4405 - Foodland Supermarkets were chosen as the top Units of the Year.

Most Valuable Pensioner of the Year awards to Mary Barrionuebo of the Dole Pineneer Club and Fred Lee of the Oahu Pensioner Council. In his remarks, Fred thanked the union for remembering and appreciating the retirees. He also stressed the need for retirees to remain active, and one way they can do so is by joining an ILWU retiree club.

These exceptional ILWU members and retirees deserve all the thanks and support we can give them.

Oahu Division Pension Program Coordinator and Business Agent Larry Ruiz presents the Most Valuable Pensioner (female) award to Mary Barrionuebo of the Dole Pineer Pension Club. Former ILWU Contract Administrator Fred Lee (not pictured) was also honored as Most Valuable Pensioner.

Schuman Carriage Motors, Inc. members (l-r) Wes Yogi, Kurt Ishihara and Richard Desmond accept the Outstanding Unit Award (30-99 members) from Business Agent Dave Mori (second from right). Ishihara also received recognition as Steward of the Year (male).

Mary Henry of Unit 4420 - Kapiolani Hospital accepts the Steward of the Year (female) award from hospital Business Agent Brian Tanaka. Henry was “the first and only member to ever call me on the phone and volunteer to be a steward,” said Tanaka.

George Cox of Unit 4409 - Island Movers, Inc. was recognized for service to his community.

(Above) Mary Ann Abregano and Ruby Shimabukuro of Unit 4405 - Foodland Super Market, Ltd. received the David E. Thompson Award for Statewide Excellence, the highest achievement for unit editors (tied with Jeanne Yoshizawa of the Big Island, see page 5). Shimabukuro was also recognized as Unit Leader of the Year; her male counterpart was Charles Sham of Unit 4403 - Hawaii Baking Co. (Left) New Unit 4301 - Dole Fresh Fruit editor Dorothy Sakamoto received the First Place Award for an Oahu Unit Bulletin. This is Sakamoto’s first year as unit editor. Runnersup were Haden Marriott and John Jardine III for Unit 4201’s Stevedore News.