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,

Outstanding Unit with 30-99 Members (General Trades): Transcontinental Corporation. L-R: Business Agent Jennifer Yadao, Business Agent Tristie Licoan, Jerome Kaaekuahiwi, Division Director Elmer Gorospe.

do at the ballot box will determine the future for many years. We have a choice to determine the future of prosperity or the future of a status quo.”

Unions encourage workers to stand up for their rights in the work place. Similarly, getting involved in political action is a way to speak up for our concerns in our larger democracy.

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.

The 2020 Pensioners Conference that was scheduled to be from June 8-10, 2020 on Maui has been postponed. We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, please read this information to help stay safe during this time.