43 years in a row and going strong! Hawaii Division held its first annual Recognition Awards Banquet all the way back in 1978. Though times have certainly changed since the ‘70s, several key things have remained the same: this is still a progressive rank-and-file union, and this union still makes it a point to acknowledge and honor the members who take initiative within their unit and make the union strong.

Division Director Elmer Gorospe started his speech to the over 150 guests in the crowd on February 8, 2020 at the Hilo Hall,

“Tonight is about recognizing and acknowledging the hard work, commitment and dedication of members and their units and the pension clubs...Your help makes the ILWU one of the best unions in Hawaii. You make the ILWU proud.”

Member-driven through and through 
ILWU Local 142 is member focused and member-driven, and even the entertainment of the night reflected that.

This was the first time the banquet’s entertainment was provided exclusively by ILWU members.

The program was emceed by Genesis Gacayan of Unit 1426 North Hawaii Community Hospital, Gregory Wagner, Jr. of Unit 1413 Big Island Toyota and Business Agent Tristie Licoan..

The crowd enjoyed the singing and guitar playing of Carly Kenison from Unit 1421 Foodland. Later on in the night, people enjoyed the deejaying of Foodland member Kevin Aderinto.

Pictured at left is Gregory Wagner, Jr. of Unit 1413 Big Island Toyota stepping up to the emceeing duties for the night. Pictured at right is Business Agent Roselyn Molina assisting Business Agent Michael Dela Cruz with serving the pig he roasted.

ILWU members tap into a multitude of talents when they volunteer their time, communication skills and compassion to help their fellow workers. It is no surprise their talents could be shared in other ways too.

Galvanizing speeches Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe started the night with a rousing speech that emphasized the current political climate. “Unfortunately, Hawaii is moving in the wrong direction,” said Gorospe. “Our children are leaving Hawaii at a record pace. Home affordability is nearly out of reach for all of us. And the wages for the lowest income workers are simply not increasing…We are at a critical time in our state’s history. What we

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Outstanding Unit with 1-29 Members (General Trades): North Hawaii Community Hospital. L-R: Business Agent Tristie Licoan, Genesis Gacayan with Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe

The union relies on its pensioners as its moral guide and reliable source of help whether it is in the form of wise advice or volunteering for political action.