HONOLULU—On February 26, 2010, Oahu Division suspended the important work of its Division Executive Board meeting take the time to thank and recognize the outstanding rank-and-file leaders who served as the “front line” at ILWU units throughout Oahu in 2009.

2009’s Inspirational Leader was Wilfred Chang of Unit 4421 - Waikele Golf Course. “Freddy’s mobilized the unit, got everyone on the same page and did the investigation that stopped a supervisor from abusing his power at Waikele,” said Chang’s Business Agent Mike Yamaguchi. “That’s why I nominated him for this award. The workers are getting fair treatment from that manager, due Freddy’s hard work.”

The Inspirational Leader in the Pensioners category was Bob Frietas, who received the award— along with a recognition of a Lifetime of Service—posthumously. “Bob was a retiree from Holsum Bakery who became an honorary member of the Love’s Bakery pensioner’s club,” said Business Agent Larry Ruiz. “I had the honor of working with him while he served as a leader on the Oahu Pensioner’s Council. I will make sure his family receives this award on his behalf, and knows how much we appreciate all Bob did for us.”

Unit awardforInspirationalLeaderfromhisBusinessAgentMikeYamaguchi(right). 4406 - The Honolulu Advertiser Chair Lance Kamada was recognized as Unit Leader of the Year, Honorable Mention.

George Salud of Unit 4405 - Hawaii Logistics was selected as Oahu Division’s Outstanding Unit Leader. “He is always active as a steward, trying to help members solve their problems on the job,” said his Business Agent Shane Ambrose. “He is always direct and honest with members, and also has a good sense of humor which helps him to communicate with people.” Gaylen Teraoka of Unit 4404 - Pepsi Bottling Group received the Outstanding Unit Leader Honorable Mention award.

The 2009 Unit Leader of the Year was Unit 4420 - Hawaii Pacific Health’s Unit Chair Joni Eubank. “Joni has impressed me at the short time I’ve known her,” said Oahu Division Director Dave Mori. “She’s very modest, but also very sharp—and she’s one hundred and ten percent for the union.” Eubank showed her modesty when she accepted the award by saying, “I don’t really think I deserve it, but thank you very much. I’m learning a lot from everyone, and want to thank them for making the effort to teach me.” Unit 4406 - The Honolulu Advertiser’s Chair Lance Kamada received Unit Leader of the Year Honorable Mention recognition.

The Units of the Year for 2009 were: 4410 - Honolulu Ford (1-49 members), 4405 - Hawaii Logistics (50-99 members), and 4201 - Horizon Lines LLC, Matson Terminals Inc., and McCabe, Hamilton & Renny (longshore).

Business Agent Shane Ambrose presents George Salud’s award for Outstanding Leader to Unit 4405 - Hawaii Logistics members. George was unable to attend the awards presentation because he works the night shift at Hawaii Logistics.

Unit 4420 - Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH) Chairperson Joni Eubank, pictured above with Division Director Dave Mori, received the Unit Leader of the Year for 2009.

Unit 4421 - Waikele Golf Course Chairperson Wilfred Chang (left)received the Unit award for Inspiration al Leader from his Business Agent Mike Yamaguchi(right).

Since the Hawaii Longshore Division was formed in January 2010, in 2009 Unit 4201 was still a part of Oahu Division. Longshore’s outstanding editors, Kammy Kalili and David Jones, produced the best Oahu bulletins of 2009.