Maui Division would not be what it is today if it were not for John Arisumi, former ILWU Maui Division Director. He passed away on August 22, 2019 after creating a legacy of service that had ripple effects across the whole state. Although he retired in June 1991, he remained active in the union by sitting on the board of directors in the ILWU Memorial Association through 2012. His level of commitment inspired generations of leadership and his impact will be felt for years to come.
Humble beginnings
John started working at Maui’s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar in 1938 as a field worker when he was only 14 years old.
Back in those days, kids were hired during summer months, obviously a time before labor laws and protections were in place to apply to children (another thing to thank unions for – child labor laws).
At 19 he officially worked at HC&S as a journeyman mechanic. He was a good worker and wellliked by his co-workers.
Early union involvement
1944 marked the year HC&S unionized with the ILWU, and John’s rapport with his fellow workers easily translated into him becoming a steward.
After his members elected him to be shop steward, he was also elected to unit chairman, a member of the Local Executive Board, and as International Executive Board member.
He turned down a promotion to supervisor of the Tools Department in order to keep organizing on the plantation.
Organizer Extraordinaire
His organizing did not stop on the plantation. His knack for connecting to people and passion for unionism attracted the attention of Regional Director Jack Hall who started mentoring him and taking him on other organizing projects.
As Maui’s industry started to diversify away from sugar, John learned the ins and outs of the hotel industry, driving every day from Wailuku to Lahaina to help organize the Royal Lahaina Hotel.
Serving Maui and beyond
After many years of helping the Union organize in new areas on Maui (even more hotels such as the Hyatt, Ritz Carlton), and even on the Big Island in construction, John was elected Business Agent in 1966. He served as Business Agent for 12 years, and then was appointed International Representative, where he served for six years before being elected as Maui Division Director in 1984.
John is what got me involved in the 90’s,” said Local President Donna Domingo who hails from Maui herself. “He was a great organizer. I always remember the kind man in the hat. He would see me back when I worked at Maui Lu Resort twice a week with a cup of coffee just to talk story and help me in my journey in union leadership.”
Father John
John treated the ILWU like one big family. He was known by many as “Father John” because of the level of care and concern he showed members. He had a great memory and could not only recall names but their family ties as well. In his vision, everything was interconnected. This made him a hands-on leader who helped the ILWU be the progressive people first organization it is today.
John in his trademark feather lei hat in 1979.
In addition to his work with the ILWU, he dedicated much of his time to the community, serving on boards such as the School Advisory Council, the State Board of Natural Resources and the Maui County Liquor Control.
A guiding light
He dedicated over 20 years to building Maui Division. He spent the last 25 years in retirement, so some of the younger generation are not familiar with his name.
However, his legacy will stand as a reminder of what is possible through kindness and commitment to something bigger than yourself. Thank you John, for believing in the union, and believing in us.
ILWU LOCAL 142 MOVIE RECOMMENDATION
It’s a small world after all...even though Hawaii is isolated from the mainland, that does not by any means, guarantee we are immune to the impact of globalization.
Sugar in Hawaii
This was evident when sugar plantations all across Hawaii shut down in rapid succession starting in the 90’s. The competitiveness of the global market spares no one.
Once companies realized they could get the same product for much cheaper labor in other countries, they left Hawaii leaving behind everything from outdated waterways and barren lands to a disenfranchised work force in its wake.
Thankfully, the vast majority of Hawaii’s people are resilient. And thankfully, sugar workers had the protection and support of a union.
The Union Difference
Local 142 made sure that displaced workers had a range of support to cushion the blow: contracts that made sure the company’s health benefits would extend for long periods to cover the strain of unemployment; job training; access and education pertaining to federal aid.
The role and purpose of the union is to help the worker, not only in times when industries are doing well, but probably more so when times get tough.
Stay woke
Just because tough times are not necessarily here anymore – Hawaii’s current economy is robust from tourism, having effectively eclipsed agriculture – does not mean we can afford to be complacent.
his is why we highly recommend you watch this new movie American Factory on Netflix. It is a documentary that was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.
If sugar is to Hawaii as the auto industry is to the Midwest, imagine if an abandoned sugar mill was bought by the Chinese. That’s what happened in Dayton Ohio, when a company called Fuyao Glass America bought an abandoned General Motors plant.
Former GM employees jumped at the chance to work again, and went to work at their old plant making glass for Fuyao. However, as one would expect, cultures clash.
“They (the Americans) have fat fingers. We keep training them
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