Vol. 5 No. 3 Jul-Sep 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675

To Cherish with pride
Volume 5 • No. 3 July/September 2013
Ha‘aheo 675
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO
Local 675 Welcomes 62 New Journeymen,
Honors Contest Winners
UA, Local 675 Officials 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.
S
ucceeding generations are finding
the construction trade route their
forebears pursued offer career
dreams as promising as a college education when the cost of completing the
latter is compared to that of undergoing
a craft apprenticeship.
That was evidenced once again at
the July 6 graduation of 62 apprentices
who completed their five-year training
program in the plumbing or an allied
craft under the jurisdiction of UA
Union Local 675. Their 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
firm, 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-fledged journeymen launched
into a career with an earning potential
already surpassing what your college
peers can expect if fortunate to find
immediate employment within their
academic majors. In short, you have
fulfilled the first 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)
PAGE 2
HA‘AHEO 675
JULY/SEPTEMBER/JUNE 2013
Picnic Reminds What
Labor Day Means for Families
Reginald Castanares,
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
O
n a day of celebration, Hawaii’s working ohana reemphasized the
importance of unity at their traditional Labor Day picnic. The 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 float 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.
The 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 office in 2014. One of them, U.S. Senator
Brian 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.”
Banners across the Waikiki Shell stage spell out Labor Day’s traditional players.
We express our own mahalo to all who made the effort
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. The dignity of their labor enhances the
opportunities for a better life for all.
Picnickers locate
the Plumbers
Union tent and
find the slush
floats to cool
themselves.
Union officials, president Val Ceria and vice president
Matt Brady, at right, assist thirsty picnickers.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, slush in hand,
greets the families.
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
Cara Kaimiola Nobuko
Bertelmann
Mitchell Alan Foley
T
en island youngsters are having part of their higher
education this year financed through scholarships provided for the first time by the UA Plumbers & Fitters
Local 675.
The 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 benefit 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/grandparent tie and school/major noted) were:
Are‘a Kaimi‘ola Amaral, Honolulu, daughter of Edmund
Amaral Jr., Hawaii Pacific University (nursing).
Cara Kaimiola Nobuko Bertelmann, Kamuela, daughter
of Baron Bertelmann, University of Nebraska (advertising &
public relations).
Marysa Hope Oshiro
Megan Louise Oshiro
Kalynn Puanani Latu
Erik Cameron Lee
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).
Jennie Tracy Ryckman
Matthew Ken Sueda
Cortney Yonemori-Lara
PAGE 4
HA‘AHEO 675
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013
New PAMCA Leadership Starts Two-Year Run
T
yrus I. Kagawa probably reflects 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.
The veteran officer 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, especially for our workers who are the backbone of the middle
class. Their well-being is decisive to the general health of
society,” Kagawa said.
The dialogue signatory employers enjoy with their labor
counterpart in that regard is critical, and PAMCA is fortunate this close strong tie endures, he noted. “It shines particularly 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 annual 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 community college system, which, he feels, serves as a supplement to the organized trades’ jointly run construction
training programs. It also has a role in helping shape a
PAMCA’s board of directors for 2013-15 was installed July 27 at the Halekulani
Hotel. The 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).
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.
Simply Perfect … After Five Great Learning Years!
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 five 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.
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013
HA‘AHEO 675
PAGE 5
New Journeymen (Continued from Page 1)
REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING FROM
OAHU:
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 benefits the company.”
John Richard W. Jose, Kainoa L.K. Kamakaala, James
M. Kamoe, Christopher V. Kano, Jared J.I. Nakamichi,
Jason G. Phillips.
The 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.
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.
Those who finished 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.
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:
PLUMBERS FROM MAUI:
Camilo Dela Cruz, Ryan T. Yoshimoto.
REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITIONING
FROM OAHU:
Romel B. Bonilla, Nathan C. Espino, Allan A. Holmberg, Simeon K. Ling, Kyle T. Sung, Ricky A. Yamamoto.
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:
STEAMFITTER-WELDERS FROM OAHU:
Kimo R. Duncan, Joseph Gudoy, Jansen J.K. Fujinaga, Ryan T. Tamaru.
lst, Jansen J.K. Fujinaga; 2nd, Patrick L. Lum Jr.;
3rd, Joseph Gudoy.
First placers were awarded $300; second, $200; and
third, $100.
Spring 2013 class:
PLUMBERS FROM OAHU:
Elmer D. Bungcayao, Ronel R. Ea, Ryan R. Fukunaga, Richard H. Graffis, Ranson Ray P. Ho, Jared K. Kauihou, Troy T. Maruoka, Randy M. Morichika, Jeffrey 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.
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.
PAGE 6
HA‘AHEO 675
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013
Garden Isle Familes Enjoy Membership Benefits 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
benefits 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 ’administrative staff prepare to meet the Kaua’i ohana, sitted, Wilma Rivera
and daughter Kassidy; standing, Stephanie Aipia, Francis Chun,
and Ed Hahn.
L
ocal 675’s Kauai-based members and their
ohana were treated August 17 to a full day of
exposure to their union benefits 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 handicrafts and other fun stuff, and stuffing 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, officials, who
expressed their gratitude for Local 675’s deliberate efforts to stay in close touch with its resident members
and at the same time help support their economy,”
Castanares added.
The trust funds, in fact, remained on Kaua’i for
part of the following week for their official meetings.
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013
HA‘AHEO 675
Gray Water Reuse
Bill Now Law
PAGE 7
Union Screening Proposed
Regulatory Changes
By Glenn Ida, Local 675 Advocate
The 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.
Governor Neil Abercrombie joined with the author and supporters 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 includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins and water
from clothes washers and laundry tubs. Tabooed are untreated wastewater 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.
As reported previously various industry groups are responding
to a legislative request for a review of current contracting license
classifications. Their respective inputs are being reviewed by state
agencies and their comments are due when the legislature reconvenes 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.
The Hilo-raised Brady was with the Leis firm 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.
HMSA is issuing new member cards
The new card, effective October 1, 2013, will show the letters XLR, the prefix to identify you as an HMSA member to doctors and other health care providers outside Hawaii. Plan benefits
will remain the same with the new prefix.
Call in questions to HMSA at 948-6111 on Oahu or
1-800-776-4672 toll free on the Neighbor Islands or the Mainland. Call Monday Friday, 8 to 4, Isle time.
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:
The Pacific Missile Facility Range, Barking Sands, and the
Spa at Koloa Landing.
A comprehensive roundup of Neighbor Isle work will be in
the next issue.
PAGE 8
HA‘AHEO 675
Ha‘aheo 675
To Cherish with pride
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO
Ha‘aheo 675 is the official publication of the
Plumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 675
1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-5454
www.plumbershawaii.com
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2013
Plumbers and Fitters
United Association
Local 675
1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level
Honolulu, HI 96813
Reginald Castanares
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Valentino Ceria
President
Matthew Brady
Vice President
Tracy Tanouye
Recording Secretary
David Kamakea
Sentry
Send Contributions/questions regarding
Ha‘aheo 675 to Editor, Elroy Chun
Retirees Slate November Election
Monday, October 7, 2013
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Washington Middle School-Cafeteria
The offices 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.
OCT
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
KONA RAP SESSION
Kahakai Elementary School
NOV
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
“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.
In Memoriam
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences
to the family of recently deceased:
Miyoshi Otani ........... 06/08/13
Donald A. Yoshimura .. 06/11/13
James T. Tsuji ............ 08/06/13
DEC
Saturday, December 14, 2013
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP HOLIDAY
MEETING & DINNER
5:00 pm Hilton Haw’n Village Coral III-V
Local 675 Office .......... 536-5454
1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level
Honolulu, HI 96813
Administrative Office .. 536-4408
1109 Bethel Street, Suite 403
Honolulu, HI 96813
Health & Welfare
Pension, Annuity
Vacation & Holiday
Training Workshop .... 456-0585
97-731B Kamehameha Hwy.
Pearl City, HI 96782
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
YOUR PHONE
CONNECTIONS
Four Join Pension Roll
Congratulations to our new pensioners
and wishing each joyous years ahead:
Bruce I. Ezaki ..................... 06/01/13
Alton E. Fujimoto ............... 07/01/13
Ronald K. Oba .................... 07/01/13
Franklin C. Phillips Jr. ....... 07/01/13
Credit Union .............. 537-9135
1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level
Honolulu, HI 96813
Call office promptly on address change.