A statewide longshore industry caucus was held in Honolulu on March 14-15, 2002. Forty-five leaders from Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu Divisions participated in this meeting to draft and discuss negotiation proposals. The Hawaii longshore negotiating committee members are: Elgin Calles, Raymond Carvalho, Pat De Ponte, Wendall Kiaha, Nate Lum, Allen Rabut, and Nelson Rita (longshore); Stan Blackstad, Robert Chinen, Dennis Inouye, Tommy Maruya, Milton Ohira, and Leith Suganuma (maintenance); Nate Dudoit, Rodney Rivera, Dana Shigemitsu, and Leonard Victorino (CFS-CY); and Jerry Calahate, Gary Quinabo, Kaiwa Sheldon, Howard Tanaka, and Dale Yokoyama (clerks). See related story on the ILWU West Coast longshore caucus.

Phase II of the construction planned for the ILWU Hall at 451 Atkinson Drive began after a blessing ceremony conducted by the Rev. Kaleo Patterson on Feb. 5. The blessing was attended by the Local Executive Committee, staff, and members of the construction team. (L-r) Rev. Patterson, Vice President Robert G. Girald, Hawaii Division Director Fred Galdones, and Maui Division Director Roger Tacdol.

Bill Udani and Letty Pauso of the former Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Hotel accepted the “Most Inspirational” Award on behalf of fellow workers at Oahu Division’s recognition night held on February 15. Nearly 200 workers lost their jobs last August when the hotel was sold, including Business Agent Karl Lindo (r) who was a HWBH cook.

Unit bulletin editors were among those recognized at Hawaii Division’s 25th awards banquet held at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort in Hilo. (L-r) Betty Jean Pacheco of Unit 1501 - Hawaii Naniloa Resort, Anthony Kubera of Unit 1403 - MLP Keaau, Jeanne Yoshizawa of Unit 1402 - Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., Corinna Salmo of Unit 1401 - MLP Ka‘u, and new unit editor Paulsa Tabudlo of Unit 1518 - Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.