Congratulations to Team “No Shame Take Pity” L-R: Mike Asari, Alan Shinagawa, Craig Oshiro, Sharon Fujii, and Shanelle Fujii holding the perpetual trophy.

KONA —The 32nd Annual ILWU Statewide SlowPitch Softball Tournament was held on the Big Island at the Old Kona Airport on September 30, 2017. Teams from Kauai Division, Hawaii Division and Oahu Longshore participated and enjoyed the camaraderie and sportsmanship.

“We’re going to make the trophy so big it can’t leave the Big Island!” joked Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe. Teams from Kauai and Hawaii hoped to dethrone last year’s champions from Oahu players from McCabe Hamilton & Renny.

The Halele`a Spa negotiating committee L-R: Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe, Business Agent Calvin Corpuz, Timothy Johnson, secretary Rain Cruz, chair Juan Garcia-Neveu. “We saw so many smiles on people’s faces as we were explaining the contract,” said Cruz.

2018 is a big election year in Hawaii. Politics and unions have always gone hand in hand. Politicians could never get very far in elections without union endorsements. Union members provide invaluable support and manpower to the candidates’ campaigns, and not to mention contibute votes through our membership. With the upcoming election year, politicians have been appealing to ILWU members in hopes of the union’s favor.

KAUAI — Over 40 golfers from all divisions gathered on the beautiful and challenging courses at Hokuala and Poipu Bay on September 2-3, 2017.

The 64th ILWU State Golf Tournament was a great opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie amongst the divisions.

“Some are there just to have fun, others to compete, but sports are always such a great opportunity for connecting with others in the union,” said Kauai Division Director Pamela Green.

Unit 3201 Nawiliwili Stevedores (Kauai): L-R Kaylene Rita, Sean Jardin, Jeffrey Thomas.

Unit 4404 Pepsi (Oahu) L-R: Ryan Kauweloa, Earl Ahlo, Gaylen Teraoka, Blaine Kahalewai.

LIHUE — Over 100 pensioners and their families gathered at the Kauai Division Hall on September 2, 2017 for their annual Labor Day celebration. The pensioners show us what life is all about: togetherness, connection and engagement. As you get older, you realize what really matters. “No matter what, life goes on,” said Ben Callejo, a former planter and welder at McBryde Sugar Co., in attendance with his wife Juanita and granddaugther Jazmen. Thank you to the Kauai Division for holding this event, especially Division Director Pamela Green and Business Agent Calvin Corpuz and his family.

HILO — On August 26, 2017, pensioners from all eight Big Island pensioner clubs attended their annual Labor Day Celebration. Festivities included performances and prizes, with those in attendance enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship.

ILWU Local 142 members have the power to decide how the union will be run by choosing leaders who best represent them—and members exercise this power by voting for statewide and Division officers in the union’s Local Election which is held every three years. The Local Election is a crucial part of union democracy, and Local 142 always looks for ways to improve active participation in its democratic processes.