Have you ever heard the statement, “My vote won’t count”? The person who says this thinks their voice won’t be heard.
ut let’s face it—the only time your vote doesn’t count is when you don’t use it.
When you are in the voting booth, you are as powerful as the General Manager at the Grand Wailea, or the CEO of Servco Pacific, or the owner of Foodland Super Market. You have just as much of a say as the Governor of the State of Hawaii.
(Top) Oahu Division Director Mike Yamaguchi with endorsed gubernatorial candidate David Ige. (Above) Local Political Action Committee members with U.S. Representative District I candidate Mark Takai.
Adele Ching of the Executive Office on Aging and Sgt. Roderick Green of the Kauai Police Department cautioned pensioners about being wary of those who prey on trusting seniors and warned them to avoid becoming victims of scams and fraud.
WAILUKU—In what has become an annual event, ILWU Local 142’s Maui Division honored their outstanding members and units at a special awards dinner after the regular Division Executive Board (DEB) meeting on April 16, 2014.
The division presented awards in eight categories, with awards for both male and female winners in individual categories.
Recognition of Unit Member: Gail Manibog, Unit 2511 - Makena Beach and Golf Resort and Kelly Ruidas, Unit 2101 - HC&S Company.
WAILUKU—Wage increases and reductions in medical insurance premium co-payments are the highlights of a new three year agreement for Valley Isle Motors, according to union spokesperson Maui Division Director Stephen Castro. The agreement will run from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017.
Pay hikes amount to a 10% increase over the duration of the contract. The union committee also achieved a reduction in the members’ medical insurance premium co-payment. The ratification was held June 27, 2014, and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was approved overwhelmingly.
About 150 Kauai pensioners enjoyed their annual picnic on July 19—not at the beach or in the park, but at their union hall! They sat with their clubs—Lihue, Kekaha, McBryde, Gay & Robinson, and Golden Years—and enjoyed fun games, prizes, speeches, food, and a chance to talk story with old and new friends.
Pepito Ragasa passed away on April 9, 2014 at the age of 90. He was a long-time member of the ILWU, a Business Agent for ten years, and was heavily involved in the Union and his community. Pepito is survived by his wife Alice; son Guy; brother Dado Rola, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. William Kennison, retired Maui Division Director, gave the following eulogy at Pepito’s service
The officers and rank-and-file members of the ILWU Political Action Committee (PAC) endorse candidates only after a thorough vetting process. The committee interviews candidates and reviews their positions on issues that are important to workers. If candidates have previously held public office, the PAC discusses their overall performance in office. The PAC takes the time and effort to go through this process so that ILWU members know which candidates will best serve the working people in our community.
(L-r) Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Glenn Wakai, ILWU Local 142 President Donna Domingo, and Senator Gilbert Kahele, chair of the Senate Tourism Committee.
HONOLULU—On April 15, 2014, the Hawaii State Senate confirmed the appointment of ILWU Local President Donna Domingo to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors.
Are you a new employee, hired within the last twelve months? ? If so, this issue of the VOICE of the ILWU was prepared especially for you. As a union member, you are entitled to many rights and benefits and some responsibilities. This issue will help get you started with the essential information you need as a member of the ILWU. Even longtime members may find the information useful.