volume 5 † no. 3 july/september 2013 ha‘aheoto cherish...

Ha‘aheo 675Ha‘aheo 675To Cherish with pride

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO

Volume 5 • No. 3 July/September 2013

Local 675 Welcomes 62 New Journeymen, Honors Contest Winners

UA, Local 675 Offi cials and Training Staff join the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Apprenticeship Board sharing a happy evening for 62 new journeymen at their commencement dinner July 6 a the Hilton Coral Ballroom.

Succeeding generations are fi nding the construction trade route their forebears pursued off er career

dreams as promising as a college educa-tion when the cost of completing the latter is compared to that of undergoing a craft apprenticeship.

Th at was evidenced once again at the July 6 graduation of 62 apprentices who completed their fi ve-year training program in the plumbing or an alliedcraft under the jurisdiction of UA Union Local 675. Th eir success was praised at a commencement dinner at the Hilton Coral Ballroom, attended largely by a throng of cheering families and friends.

Among the more than handful of new journeymen who found a model at home was David Young. His dad, Edmund, had pursued and completed the same program 34 years before and since has operated his own contracting fi rm, Regent Plumbing Inc., which, incidentally, has four of his son’s classmates, on its payroll.

Addressing the new graduates – members of the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 classes, business manager Reginald Castanares saluted them as “full-fl edged journeymen launched into a career with an earning potential already surpassing what your college peers can expect if fortunate to fi nd

immediate employment within their academic majors. In short, you have fulfi lled the fi rst major step of a lifetime journey.”

“And never feel graduation means you cease learning,” reminded UA California/Hawaii international representative Robert J. Lamb II. “What seems to make our trade unique is that it takes advantage of new learning opportunities spurred by technology advancements,” he said.

Lamb’s message was reinforced by PAMCA spokesman Barry W. Lai.

(Continued on Page 5)

HA‘AHEO 675 JULY/SEPTEMBER/JUNE 2013

Picnic Reminds What Labor Day Means for Families

On a day of celebration, Hawaii’s working ohana reemphasized the importance of unity at their traditional Labor Day picnic. Th e Plumbers Union was among many of the construction-related brotherhoods at an

event that drew more than 4,000 to enjoy a festive afternoon at the Waikiki Shell.

We were pleased that most of our Oahu-based members were in attendance and made our booth that featured a slush fl oat treat a popular attraction.

What we feel made the occasion special was the support of some of our island’s bright stars in local entertainment – like Simplicity, Touch of Gold, 2 Big Hawaiians, the duet of Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental, and headliner Kalapana. Little wonder that the hundreds of keiki kept up their hoopla as dusk began descending.

Th e gathering also had the opportunity to meet informally with our elected political leaders. Most will be up for re-election or election to a new offi ce in 2014. One of them, U.S. SenatorBrian Schatz, was especially buoyed by many well wishers, noting“I’m appreciative the unions give us a chance to visit with their members one on one.”

We express our own mahalo to all who made the eff ort to share the day with their families. No other special event nationally or locally reminds the nation its continued well-being remains in the hands of working people. When employed, our country prospers. Th e dignity of their labor enhances the opportunities for a better life for all.

Reginald Castanares, Business Manager/Financial Secretary

JULY/SEPTEMBER/JUNE 2013

Picnickers locate the Plumbers Union tent and fi nd the slush fl oats to cool themselves.

Union offi cials, president Val Ceria and vice president Matt Brady, at right, assist thirsty picnickers.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, slush in hand, greets the families.

Banners across the Waikiki Shell stage spell out Labor Day’s traditional players.

JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 3

Plumbers Union Proud of Members’ Progeny

Local 675’s Imi Loa Foundation Unveils First Scholarship Winners

Are‘a Kaimi‘ola Amaral

Marysa Hope Oshiro

Cara Kaimiola Nobuko Bertelmann

Megan Louise Oshiro

Mitchell Alan Foley

Jennie Tracy Ryckman

Kalynn Puanani Latu

Matthew Ken Sueda

Erik Cameron Lee

Cortney Yonemori-Lara

T en island youngsters are having part of their higher education this year fi nanced through scholarships pro-vided for the fi rst time by the UA Plumbers & Fitters

Local 675.

Th e recipients, children or grandchildren of active Local 675 members, won $l,000 scholarships from Local 675’s Imi Loa Foundation.

“We’re happy we have the resources for a program to ben-efi t a younger generation whose elders are part of our Union,” business manager Reginald Castanares said. “We believe it is one our members consider important in terms of building both family and educational values.”

Winners of the scholarships (their Union parent/grandpar-ent tie and school/major noted) were:

Are‘a Kaimi‘ola Amaral, Honolulu, daughter of Edmund Amaral Jr., Hawaii Pacifi c University (nursing).

Cara Kaimiola Nobuko Bertelmann, Kamuela, daughter of Baron Bertelmann, University of Nebraska (advertising & public relations).

Mitchell Alan Foley, Pahoa, son of James Patrick Foley. Hawaii Community College, Hilo (Engineering/Aviation).

Kalynn Puanani Latu, Kahuku, daughter of Lominga Latu, BYU-Hawaii (history/journalism).

Erik Cameron Lee, Honolulu, son of Ronald Lee/grandson of lifetime member Yok Tong Lung, Colorado School of Mines (petroleum engineering).

Marysa Hope Oshiro, Kapolei, daughter of Robin Oshiro, UCLA (linguistics).

Megan Louise Oshiro, Kapolei, daughter of Robin Oshiro, Willamette University (communications/law).

Jennie Tracy Ryckman, Kapolei, daughter of Michael Ryckman, Northern Arizona University (computer science).

Matthew Ken Sueda, Hilo, son of Michael Sueda, Swarthmore College (biology/biomedical engineering).

Cortney Yonemori-Lara, Hilo, daughter of Raymond Lara, UH-Hilo (nursing).

HA‘AHEO 675 JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013

Business manager Reggie Castanares, far left, and at right, Training Fund co-chairman Kent Matsuzaki, congratulate the eight recent apprenticeship graduates present at their recent commencement, honored for their perfect attendance during their fi ve years of classroom instruction: Jansen Fujinaga, James Kamoe, John Jose, Keith Ishitani, David Young, Ricky Yamamoto, Troy Maruoka, and Ranson Ho. Also making the honor roll but not present were Wade Chinen, Kainoa Kamakaala and Randy Morichika.

Tyrus I. Kagawa probably refl ects the concerns of his plumbing industry associates that while happy with the burgeoning economy it may face a short run

given the history of local building activity.

Th e veteran offi cer with Oahu Plumbing & Sheetmetal was sworn in July 27 as president the next two years of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawaii.

“Our wariness aside, we’re still glad for the upswing, es-pecially for our workers who are the backbone of the middle class. Th eir well-being is decisive to the general health of society,” Kagawa said.

Th e dialogue signatory employers enjoy with their labor counterpart in that regard is critical, and PAMCA is fortu-nate this close strong tie endures, he noted. “It shines par-ticularly in how we jointly screen trade applicants to ensure each has the aptitude and discipline to want to succeed, and that results in a sound investment in time and the funding required.”

“I noticed that spirit and depth at one of the UA’s an-nual training sessions in Ann Arbor, and I realized it was the key for local programs in developing topnotch tradesmen,” he added.

Kagawa did not overlook the value of a strong com-munity college system, which, he feels, serves as a supple-ment to the organized trades’ jointly run construction training programs. It also has a role in helping shape a

New PAMCA Leadership Starts Two-Year Run

Simply Perfect … After Five Great Learning Years!

career choice requiring manipulative skill. “We‘re grateful the CCs in each county boosts our trades also by encouraging their instructors to assist programs in the private sector,” he said.

PAMCA’s board of directors for 2013-15 was installed July 27 at the Halekulani Hotel. Th e smiling new team, from left, Gregg Serikaku, executive director; Mark Suzuki (Commercial Plumbing); Tyrus Kagawa (Oahu Plumbing & Sheetmetal), president; Glenn Tango (Honolulu Plumbing); Barry Lai (Air Central), vice president Jackson Cheng (Alaka’i Mechanical), treasurer; Kenneth Richardson (Island Controls), immediate past president; Samuel Fujikawa (Continental Mechanical), secretary; and Kent Matsuzaki (Economy Plumbing and Air Conditioning).


New Journeymen (Continued from Page 1)Lai alluded to two practical concepts culturally drawn

from Japan. “Kaizen” meaning constant improvement and “Jinba ittai” which relates to both horse and rider entwined to achieve in horse-mounted archery an accurate shot. When combined, he explained, the phrases literally translate as striving to work with your company. “It ensures a rewarding career and which also benefi ts the company.”

Th e eleven graduates who had perfect class attendance were:Wade M. Chinen, Jansen J.K. Fujinaga, Ranson Ray P. Ho, Keith K. Ishitani, John Richard W. Jose, Kainoa L.K. Kamakaala, James M. Kamoe, Troy T. Maruoka, Randy M. Morichika, Ricky A. Yamamoto and David Young.

Th ose who fi nished with the Fall 2012 class were:

PLUMBERS FROM OAHU: Dustin Apilando, Wade M. Chinen, Jacob KW

Fukuda, Watson K. Hoohuli, Keith R. Ishitani, Andrew K. Kolo, Darren Z. Oshiro, Andrew A. Rabanes III, Matthew N. Salausa, Nelson K. Schoening, Gaman K. Sproat, Cowen M. Takahashi, Rylan M. Tanaka, Kaulike I. Tancayo, Wayne W. Watanabe, David K. Young.

PLUMBERS FROM MAUI:Camilo Dela Cruz, Ryan T. Yoshimoto.

REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING FROM OAHU:

Romel B. Bonilla, Nathan C. Espino, Allan A. Holm-berg, Simeon K. Ling, Kyle T. Sung, Ricky A. Yamamoto.

STEAMFITTER-WELDERS FROM OAHU:Kimo R. Duncan, Joseph Gudoy, Jansen J.K. Fuji-

naga, Ryan T. Tamaru.

Spring 2013 class:

PLUMBERS FROM OAHU:Elmer D. Bungcayao, Ronel R. Ea, Ryan R. Fukuna-

ga, Richard H. Graffi s, Ranson Ray P. Ho, Jared K. Kaui-hou, Troy T. Maruoka, Randy M. Morichika, Jeff rey K. Nagasawa, Peter A. Rabanes, Paul D. Racadio Jr., Bernard H. Reed, Terrence A. Suan, Ross T. Takahashi, Corey M. Takara-Haraki, Remelito D. Tapado, Gavin J.Y. Uyeda.

PLUMBER FROM HAWAII ISLAND:Derek K. Pegg.

REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING FROM OAHU:

John Richard W. Jose, Kainoa L.K. Kamakaala, James M. Kamoe, Christopher V. Kano, Jared J.I. Nakamichi, Jason G. Phillips.

FIRE SPRINKLER FROM OAHU:John E. Curran, Melchor S. Gamiao Jr., John Grey Jr.,

Sonny K. Kiaha, Gary W. Kuakini Jr., Bronson P.J. Lleces, Rowel E. Yasay.

FIRE SPRINKLER FROM MAUI:Jerold K. Santos.

STEAMFITTER-WELDERS FROM OAHU:Jerry T. Ha, Patrick L. Lum Jr.

Additionally recognized were winners from the two graduating classes in the local trade contests:

PLUMBING:lst, Andrew K. Kolo; 2nd, Ryan T. Yoshimoto;

3rd, Ranson Ray P. Ho.

REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING:lst, Kyle T. Sung; 2nd, Ricky A. Yamamoto;

3rd, John Richard W. Jose.

FIRE SPRINKLER: lst, Melchor S. Gamiao Jr.; 2nd, Sonny K. Kiaha;

3rd, Bronson P.J. Lleces.

STEAMFITTER-WELDER:lst, Jansen J.K. Fujinaga; 2nd, Patrick L. Lum Jr.;

3rd, Joseph Gudoy.

First placers were awarded $300; second, $200; and third, $100.

Recognized as Hawaii’s contestants in the recent Oahu-hosted 2013 UA Regional Contest were:

PLUMBING: Ryan T. Yoshimoto.

REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING: Kyle T. Sung(Placed 2nd)

FIRE SPRINKLER: Melchor S. Gamiao Jr.

PIPEFITTER: Jansen J.K. Fujinaga.

STEAMFITTER-WELDER: Patrick L. Lum Jr.


Garden Isle Familes Enjoy Membership Benefi ts Meeting

Top left, Nelson Cayetano, a retiree with 52 service years, gave grandson Gabriel a reason to smile when declared the grand prize winner of a Samsung 40” LED TV at the August 17 membership benefi ts conference held at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort. Joining the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 trustees at the event were Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., third from left, and fronting him, State House member Dee Morikawa. Trustees shown are Val Ceria, Sam Fujikawa, Reginald Castanares, Kent Matsuzaki, and Mark Suzuki. Middle photo, moms share with keiki, fun crafts just before the ono grinds. Bottom photo, the trust funds ’administra-tive staff prepare to meet the Kaua’i ohana, sitted, Wilma Rivera and daughter Kassidy; standing, Stephanie Aipia, Francis Chun, and Ed Hahn.

Local 675’s Kauai-based members and their ohana were treated August 17 to a full day of exposure to their union benefi ts as explained

by resources servicing the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 trust funds. More than a dozen informational booths vied for attention with continuous entertainment supplied by local musicians. And for the ubiquitous keiki, they were kept amused with various handi-crafts and other fun stuff , and stuffi ng themselves with superb food and snacks. “We wish it could be provided more often, but our hearts are warmed that those who attend do look forward to the event,” said business manager Reginald Castanares.

“It’s also an opportunity for us from Oahu to visit with the county’s political leaders, offi cials, who expressed their gratitude for Local 675’s deliberate ef-forts to stay in close touch with its resident members and at the same time help support their economy,” Castanares added.

Th e trust funds, in fact, remained on Kaua’i for part of the following week for their offi cial meetings.


Gray Water Reuse Bill Now Law

Governor Neil Abercrombie joined with the author and support-ers of a bill he recently signed into law that will permit the reuse of gray water from residences to irrigate lawns and gardens. It is hailed a critical conservation step for fresh or potable water. Gray water in- cludes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins and water from clothes washers and laundry tubs. Tabooed are untreated wastewa-ter from toilets, food preparation sinks and dishwashers, all considered hazardous to human health. Each county must provide a recycling plan with rules and regulations for approval by the state health department. With the Governor were, from left, Glenn Ida, Local 675 advocate, union president Val Ceria, Senator Malama Solomon, the bill’s sponsor, Local 675 business manager Reginald Castanares, Kyle Sasaki, Society of Landscape Architects, Hawaii Chapter, president; and Chris Dacus, Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii president.

Union Screening Proposed Regulatory ChangesBy Glenn Ida, Local 675 Advocate

Th e Plumbers Union has been pursuing pending regulatory changes on various fronts in collaboration with PAMCA.

A major issue expected to be resolved soon is Kauai County’s acceptance of the state statutes and rules for its own Plumbing Code, a position the Union supported though opposed by the GCA. Bill 2485. as amended,with input from Union signatories Oahu Plumbing and Dorvin Leis, awaits the Mayor’s okay after clearance by the County Council.

As reported previously various industry groups are responding to a legislative request for a review of current contracting license classifi cations. Th eir respective inputs are being reviewed by state agencies and their comments are due when the legislature recon-venes in January.

Matt Brady Joins Staff Matthew (Matt) J. Brady, former piping division manager for

Dorvin D. Leis Co., has joined the UA Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 675 as business agent, business manager Reginald Castanares has announced.

Th e Hilo-raised Brady was with the Leis fi rm for 25 years, spent mostly on Oahu. He is the vice president of Local 675 and a trustee on the Board for the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Trust Funds.

Work Moving on Neighbor Isles Among current Neighbor Island projects in the building or

near-completion process that involve Local 675 signatories are:On Maui:

Andaz resort in Wailea, Maui Lani Parkway Mall, and Puu Kukui Elementary School in Wailuku.On Kauai:

Th e Pacifi c Missile Facility Range, Barking Sands, and the Spa at Koloa Landing.

A comprehensive roundup of Neighbor Isle work will be in the next issue.

HMSA is issuing new member cards Th e new card, eff ective October 1, 2013, will show the let-

ters XLR, the prefi x to identify you as an HMSA member to doc-tors and other health care providers outside Hawaii. Plan benefi ts will remain the same with the new prefi x.

Call in questions to HMSA at 948-6111 on Oahu or 1-800-776-4672 toll free on the Neighbor Islands or the Main-land. Call Monday Friday, 8 to 4, Isle time.


Ha‘aheo 675 is the offi cial publication of thePlumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 675

1109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813

(808) 536-5454www.plumbershawaii.com

Reginald Castanares Business Manager/Financial Secretary

Valentino CeriaPresident

Matthew BradyVice President

Tracy TanouyeRecording Secretary

David KamakeaSentry

Send Contributions/questions regarding Ha‘aheo 675 to Editor, Elroy Chun

Plumbers and FittersUnited AssociationLocal 6751109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813

YOUR PHONE CONNECTIONS

Local 675 Offi ce .......... 536-5454 1109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813

Administrative Offi ce .. 536-44081109 Bethel Street, Suite 403Honolulu, HI 96813

Health & WelfarePension, AnnuityVacation & Holiday

Training Workshop .... 456-058597-731B Kamehameha Hwy.Pearl City, HI 96782

Credit Union .............. 537-91351109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813

Call offi ce promptly on address change.

Calendar of Events

Ha‘aheo 675To Cherish with pride

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO

OCT

NOV

DEC

Monday, October 7, 2013

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Washington Middle School-Cafeteria

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

KONA RAP SESSION

Kahakai Elementary School

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

HILO RAP SESSION

Waiakea Intermediate School

Monday, November 4, 2013

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Washington Middle School-Cafeteria

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

KAUAI CHRISTMAS DINNER

6:00 pm Kauai Beach Resort

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

MAUI CHRISTMAS DINNER

6:00 pm Sheraton Maui Resort

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

KONA CHRISTMAS DINNER

6:00 pm Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

HILO CHRISTMAS DINNER

6:00 pm Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Saturday, December 14, 2013

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP HOLIDAY

MEETING & DINNER

5:00 pm Hilton Haw’n Village Coral III-V

Four Join Pension RollCongratulations to our new pensioners and wishing each joyous years ahead:Bruce I. Ezaki ..................... 06/01/13Alton E. Fujimoto ............... 07/01/13Ronald K. Oba .................... 07/01/13Franklin C. Phillips Jr. ....... 07/01/13

In MemoriamHeartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of recently deceased: Miyoshi Otani ........... 06/08/13Donald A. Yoshimura .. 06/11/13James T. Tsuji ............ 08/06/13

Retirees Slate November ElectionTh e offi ces of president, second vice-president and treasurer are up for

election at the Tuesday, Nov. 12 meeting of the Local 675 Retirees Club. It starts at 9 a.m. at the Moanalua Golf Clubhouse.

“We’re concluding another active year and look forward to welcoming our newly pensioned to join us as they start a new life cycle. Together we can make our senior years interesting and fun,” encourages president Willy Kanno.

volume 5 † no. 3 july/september 2013 ha‘aheoto cherish...

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