LIHUE — ILWU Local 142 would not be anywhere without the great leaders of its past...
Even if he would not have accepted the label of “great” while he was still alive, former Kauai Division Director Michael Machado was a great man. We are sad to share that Brother Mike passed away on February 27, 2020.
From Catalina Island to the Hawaiian Islands
Mike became such a part of the Kauai community, that many members did not know that he was not originally from Kauai, or any of the Hawaiian islands.
Mike grew up on Catalina Island just off the coast of Los Angeles with a population of 1,500.
After graduating from the local high school, Mike moved to the “mainland” to attend Long Beach State University.
Upon getting his degree, Mike was offerend an opportunity to sail to Hawaii. It was his life’s dream so he jumped at the chance to join the crew. Using skills he learned in a celestial navigation class, Mike helped sail the small vessel across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii.
He landed in Ala Wai Harbor in 1976 and as they say, the rest is history.
Michael would always attend union functions like Kauai’s Division Executive Board meetings (he is pictured here at one on December 11, 2019). Back L-R: Division Director Calvin Corpuz, Liberty Corpuz Unit 3402 Foodland, Clayton Delacruz, Jesus Guirao, Pamela Green, former Division Director Michael Machado, Trudy Azeka Unit 3511 Grand Hyatt Kauai, Rollan Akira Yadao Unit 3504 Princeville Utilities, Division Clerk Mona Dotario-Agor. Front L-R: Business Agent Chad Pacheco, Jonarene Agbisit Unit 3401 Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Aunty Dolly DeCosta, Dianne Lopez Unit 3401, Business Agent Davin “Kai” Lopez.
Union beginnings
He became immersed in the community of Kauai when he got his start in the ILWU in 1976 working at Princeville Development Corp.
He worked in the maintenance department with Unit Chair Misa Tamura who mentored him about the union, management, and how to work with members.
Mike was a fast study and soon he was elected to Unit Vice Chair, and then Unit Chair.
Undeniable leadership skills
Mike’s work ethic and skills caught the attention of the Division, and he was soon brought on as an organizer and temporary Business Agent.
He was appointed as Division Representative in 1991, and was first elected as a Kauai Business Agent in 1994.
He worked under Division Directors Alfred Castillo, Robert Girald, and Clayton Dela Cruz, each of whom provided him with valuable lessons about how to make a difference in the union and keeping a resilient attitude.
When Kauai Division Director Clayton Dela Cruz retired six months before the end of his term, Mike was appointed as temporary Division Director, and then ran for, and won the position in 2009.
Empowering legacy
When he retired in 2015, he did so in the most “Mike” possible fashion; by taking everyone’s perspective and needs into account so the transition could be as smooth as possible.
He retired from the role, but remained active in union life, always helping wherever he could and was asked. In December 2019, he won the award for Outstanding Pensioner.
Full circle
Just as he sailed into Hawaii all those years ago with nothing but a ‘34 sloop and his passion for life, we imagine his great soul sailing on peacefully to the next adventure.
Over 75 people showed up to the Kauai ILWU Hall on March 3, 2020 to honor and celebrate Mike’s life and contributions to the community.
Thank you for caring so much about the union and Hawaii’s working people. Aloha, Brother Mike, you will live on in our hearts for years to come.
