Vol. 5 No. 1 Jan-Mar 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675
Transcription
Vol. 5 No. 1 Jan-Mar 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675
To Cherish with pride Volume 5 • No. 1 January/March 2013 Ha‘aheo 675 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO Hawaii to Host Its First Regional UA Apprenticeship Contest F or the first time ever the Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 675 will be hosting the UA District 5 Regional Apprenticeship Contest expecting to attract entries from l0 western states. According to business manager Reginald Castanares, the popular competition is scheduled for June 12-14, the contest venues at both the Pearl City and the Iwilei training centers. “We’re, of course, excited that our eligible member contestants can be at home for a change and focus on all aspects of their specialties,” said Harold McDermott, Local 675-PAMCAH apprenticeship coordinator. Mainland contestants will be from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Hilton Hawaiian Village will be the contest headquarters where the participants will be housed. They will likely be joined by their respective training staffers, families and friends, a boost for the economy, Castanares said. Participating local unions are to register their contestants with Armando Pulido of the A & J Training Trust by May 15, with registration scheduled the day before the three-day competition begins. The awards banquet will be on Friday, June 14, at the hotel, at 7:15 p.m. For further information, please contact David Kamakea at the Training Office. 34 From Tri-Isle County Vie for Hope of Starting Trade Career Instructor Chuck Shima reported that 34 applied for the qualifying exam for new plumbing industry recruits in January, 22 were present, including two from Molokai. The eleven who passed were interviewed for the following specialties: plumbing, 6; AC/refrigeration, 4; and fire sprinkler fitter, 1. JATC members Gregg Serikaku, Barry Lai, and Tracy Tanouye conducted the exam and interviews. David Kamakea, assistant apprenticeship coordinator, oversees Maui recruits taking the industry entry exam. PAGE 2 HA‘AHEO 675 JANUARY/MARCH 2013 Reinforcing Fellowship in Our Political Quests Reginald Castanares, Business Manager/Financial Secretary A mong the many things we learn during our school years is that those who aspire to help run our government are freely elected by eligible voters. Once in office the elected collectively will determine additions and changes to our laws. What passes are aimed to improve people’s lives and the institutions they rely on to make for a better and happier life. Sounds elementary, admittedly, but it’s how democracy works. What makes the job of legislators difficult is that bills submitted generally invite debate and conflicting testimonies. While we closely scrutinize any bill that affects the economy, education, and public health and safety, as part of the construction industry we also key on issues that promote and enhance the rights of workers. Because the occupations and professions are diverse and have special interests, lobbyists belong either to a management or an organized labor organization. Some do work together, many, though, have differences. Historically the Plumbers Union officially began as a lobbying force only after the industry began negotiating collective bargaining agreements. What it meant was that each group found it necessary to develop its own legislative package even though some share common interests. What has made the Plumbers Union a shade different than most other craft unions is that it is among just a mere handful that requires its graduated journey workers to be also state-licensed. We have extended the concept this session to include hopefully fire sprinkler and air conditioning refrigeration mechanics. The thrust of such desirable changes is to ensure the public that these added categories meet minimum public safety requirements. To back up that requirement our training program in recent years installed curriculum changes to prepare journey workers to pass the state exam qualifying them for their specialty license. We’re pleased the State Labor as well as Commerce departments support our position. We also favor the push to return the procurement functions associated with the bidding/awarding of state projects to a single central agency. We are not involved in the University of Hawaii’s current dilemma. However, it appears reasonable and possibly economical the job that entails the awarding of state construction contracts be best administered by a single agency – in this situation, the Department of Accounting & General Services - which has provided the function, historically and effectively. We are thankful of our lobbying team’s efforts and equally, your understanding as a member as well. Fed Apprenticeship Office Closes, State Assuming Some Functions The year-end shutdown of the Federal Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Hawaii office after its administrator, Alfred B. Valles, retired, has led to the recovery of the functions that he had assisted with, back to the State’s Workforce Development Division. The Fed’s San Francisco office will provide services as needed, the state has been informed. Elaine Young, WDD head for the State Labor Department, confirmed there will be no loss in services except that it will bank almost entirely on technology to convey required information because of the state’s budget constraints. “Al Valles was an extraordinary innovator initiating new training programs here and outlying Pacific islands. He will be missed,” Young said in extolling him as truly “the dean of apprenticeship.” She and department director, Dwight Takamine, placed the shutdown to budget cutbacks, worsened by the current sequestration, but they expressed hope of at least maintaining the service level crucial to existing training programs. JANUARY/MARCH 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 3 Must Wait Till 2014 Session House Stalls Senate-Cleared Plumbing Industry Bill The plumbing industry fell short in gaining passage of its primary legislation this current state session after the House Speaker referred to three committees a Senate-passed bill aimed at setting licensing requirements for journey workers in air conditioning, refrigeration and fire sprinklers. The triple referral signaled the end this current run for the bill’s further serious deliberation in light of the session officially closing May 3. “At least it wasn’t killed outright. It needs only House approval in the 2014 session when likely the two houses will compromise on its final form,” commented Union Local 675 advocate Glenn Ida. “We’re encouraged the measure – Senate Bill 1301 Senate Draft 1 – has the backing of two strategic State agencies - the board of electricians and plumbers with the Commerce & Consumer Protection Department as well as the Labor & Industrial Relations Department,” he pointed out. “Our industry has adhered to the practice of ensuring workers in their various specialties are qualified to recognize public health and safety issues on the project,” Ida said. “There are no shortcuts and the fact we insist our workers are given appropriate training should comfort consumers and the general public.” Hawaii is among 44 states with ties to national parent, the United Association (UA), that requires the licensing of plumbers. Local Union 675 is hopeful licensing will be extended to the industry’s related specialties with pending passage of SB 1301, business manager Reginald Castanares said. Another legislative target, though, has a fair chance of passage. The House passed HB 114 transfer administration of the procurement function from the University of Hawaii president to the University’s chief procurement officer on all purchases associated to construction contracts. Now in the Senate, the bill was due for a joint hearing at the time of this publication’s deadline. Senate committees involved are Higher Education, Economic Development, Government Operations & Housing, and Ways & Means. Local 675 lobbyist Glenn Ida confers with Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and introducer of the AC/Sprinkler license bill. Various construction industry elements, including Local 675, had additionally favored turning back construction awards for UH facilities to the Department of Accounting & General Services. The bill as passed by the House limits the change to only procurement administration, an issue that was raised early this year by Senate President Donna Kim. Meet Hawaii’s New Team in Congress and Their Top Aides The beaming fresh faces who recently took up half of the islander-occupied Congressional seats may be unfamiliar to regular visitors these early months on Capitol Hill but that should soon change, given their outgoing and winsome persona. That is what island-based advocates sense, including your Ha‘aheo editor. In early February on his ninth annual advocacy trip as backer of the needs of ALS victims (the Lou Gehrig disease) the welcome from each officeholder was casual reflecting local-style uniqueness as it has been in prior visits-warm, gracious, and importantly, result-wise, accommodating. While our idolized two Dans – Inouye and Akaka – are dearly missed, locals are more than hopeful their replacements are up to the challenge of building their own respective records as each pursues Hawaii’s priority interests. Hawaii’s Washington “Big 4” have at the helm for their respective staffs individuals savvy on national and island issues and the polish to motivate other staff colleagues stationed either at the Beltway or home quarters. They are Andrew Winer, for our new senior Senator Brian Schatz; Betsy Lin, for Senator Mazie Hirono; Rod Tanonaka, for Representative Colleen Hanabusa; and Amy Asselbaye, for Representative Tulsi Gabbard. If there is a unifying factor among Hawaii’s new Congressional quartet, it is a shared belief that collaboration on the key issues that affect the country makes them a unique team in the nation’s capitol. PAGE 4 HA‘AHEO 675 JANUARY/MARCH 2013 LG Shan Tsutsui Valley Islander Offers Fresh Slant on State Leadership a decade in various marketing and consulting capacities in finance and investments and briefly was the owner/ operator of Keiki Time. He was also active with various Maui community business groups and in spare hours coached tennis (which he savored on the high school varsity}. The court sport was where he met Stan Nagamatsu, his coach and who remains a personal inspiration. “I feel at times my life is wrapped around disbeliefs,” the man now in the lieutenant governor’s chair chuckled. As example, he pointed out, his mother had a name picked out before his birth nearly 42 years ago. She was enchanted with the name “Shannon” and may have been willing to bet the gender would be female. The new parents, no doubt, compromised and thus emerged the rare and now familiar sobriquet Shan. Shan Tsutsui named Hawaii’s 12th Lieutenant Governor. The short-lived name episode was like a forerunner of unforeseeable surprises that seems to envelop Shan Tsutsui as he charts his goals. “Since early childhood the mix of curiosity and interest in almost anything somehow magnetized me to all kinds of people, a trait, I suspect, my mom had much to do with but she never claims she was that persuasive,” he judiciously clarified with quiet pride. What likely evolved in the process was a set of values that has tempered and guided his outlook through his formative years. Raised in a rural, tranquil setting probably had much to do with the latter. That environment would typically depict any Neighbor Island locale. The Tsutsuis, embedded in semi-urbanized Wailuku, enjoy the virtual absence of distractions that normally visitors and residents ascribe to a metropolis. “As youngsters, we hung together because we have tightknit neighborhoods and that fosters lifelong friendships. Moreover, the community elders are often accessible and freely offer sage advice along with admonition,” Tsutsui said. “I continue to count on them, esteemed folks like former House Speaker Elmer Cravalho and community icon Masaru (Pundy) Yokouchi, as among my resources. They remind that while technology undergoes constant flux ageold values remain important to sustain us in all situations,” he deduced. Tsutsui’s assessment is a candid overview of what has sparked his underplayed achievements, from the time elected Maui High School senior class president to the heady transition to a state legislator who virtually overnight became the youngest ever State Senate president. After obtaining a degree in economics from the University of Hawaii-Manoa in 1994, he spent nearly When a Maui seat for state senator was available in 2002 senior Democrats on the island coaxed him into running, convinced Tsutsui possessed the diversified background to responsibly handle a new, formidable challenge. “I’ve noticed more islanders are warmed up to the belief that Neighbor Islanders have long been qualified to run for political office at all levels,” he avers. “That is in fact quite critical as we see more chunks of valuable island properties, including the recent purchase of almost an entire island, sold to outside interests with little or no tie to our history and people,” he lamented. “We will always face bleak economic times but it is no reason to sell our birthright,” he insisted. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye’s unexpected death just before the recent year-end holidays was akin to unleashing a political tsunami. It created an upheaval at the highest political levels that many contend might result in further repercussions come the 2014 elections. Tsutsui was a “benefactor” though he expressed initial reluctance to take the seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, who Governor Neil Abercrombie named to fill the senior senator post in Congress. Tsutsui, upon moving in as LG, was replaced as State Senate president by Donna Mercado Kim by vote of her peers. Tsutsui’s expressed reluctance initially was based on a personal desire to keep his Wailuku political home base important to his Maui County constituents. The governor fortunately agreed it would be an opportunity to get the Neighbor Isles more noticeable in the political mainstream by having a resident in one of the state’s top offices. In addition, the new LG may have renewed interest in an old issue, hoping voters will give it real serious thought: reamend the state Constitution to allow the Governor upon his election to name his LG, in the same vein the U.S. President picks the Vice President. While not yet a broiling issue Tsutsui calmly says “it’s not continued on page 7 JANUARY/MARCH 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 5 Project Engine Recranks Across All Neighbor Isles Also on the site Gavin Ida works on boiler tubing. Union leaders Val Ceria and Reggie Castanares discuss progress of Hawaiian Dredging’s Hu Honua project at Pepeekeo with supervisor Gordon Caughman. Inside the Hu Honua structure Castanares, with Ceria, pose with Dredging employees Shane Uyetake, Chris Sagucio, Robert Lum, and Gordon Caughman. Apprentice coordinator David Kamakea, is second from the right. H ow best to describe the state of our sector’s job-load may be the word ‘sporadic’. It’s more reflective on the Neighbor Islands given the many projects being caught in a stop-go-stop roller-coaster when funding turns stagnant. Economists feel, however, 2013 looks bright. We hope they’re right. Jobs, ongoing and in the pipeline include the following, according to our field agents: Big Island: Kona area – Kona Kaiser Hospital, Mauna Lani renovation, Kamakana housing, Kings Land Phase 2, Palama Nui West Hawaii College; and Kona Juidiciary complex. Hilo area –Hu Honua Power plant, UH-Hilo Hawaiian Language building, Aina Koa Pono, TMT thirty meter telescope, and the College of Pharmacy. Maui: Andaz Resort Hotel, Wailea; Police Department, Kihei; Safeway, Kahului; Puu Kukui Elementary, Wailuku; Westin Maui Resort, Kaanapali; and Hyattt Regency Maui, Kaanapali. Kauai: Basf Plant, Kekaha; Spa at Koloa Landing; Dow Agrosciences Plant; Kukui Grove Executive Center, Lihue; Pacific Missile FacilityRange, Barking Sands; and Grand Hyatt Kauai, Poipu. Val Ceria, newly inducted Local 675 president, swears in Dredging welder initiates Frank Botelho, Jason Cuba, and Gavin Ida. Leonardo Agonias Jr., Rey Gascon, and Sherman Martines , of Dorvin Leis, at UHHilo housing site. Affordable Loans at Your FCU Whatever the state of the local economy it may be time to replace the family car or brighten the house with a new look. This is where the Plumbers & Fitters Local 675 FCU can give quick kokua. Just call manager Jenny Le, 808-537-9135, for the terms to fit your budget. The Union FCU has scheduled its 26th annual meeting and dinner Friday, May 3 at the Honolulu Country Club. One new director will be elected. Current Loan Rates: Share secured loan ...... l.50%APR Unsecured ................. 8.00%APR New Auto: 4 Years ........................ l.99%APR 5 Years ....................... 2.99%APR 6 Years ....................... 2.99%APR Used Auto 4 Years ....................... 2.99%APR 5 Year ........................ 3.49%APR 2013 Hawaii Plumbers License Examinations Plumbers Board Filing Deadline Prometric Registration Deadline Oahu April 09, 2013 June 12, 2013 July 30, 2013 Oct. 08, 2013 May 4, 2013 July 12, 2013 Sept. 06, 2013 Nov. 08, 2013 Exam Dates Maui, Kona Hilo, Kauai May 16, 2013 July 25, 2013 Sept. 19, 2013 Nov. 19, 2013 May 17, 2013 July 26, 2013 Sept. 20, 2013 Nov. 22, 2013 PAGE 6 HA‘AHEO 675 JANUARY/MARCH 2013 Junior Achievment Honors Signatory Firm, Founder Sitting with their JA certificates in hand are, left, honorees Ralph S. Inouye, Randy M. Hiraki, and Russell Oda. Behind them are JA board chair Ben Nakaoka, president Roz Burton-Torres, and a spokeswoman for Mayor Kirk Caldwell. C ommercial Plumbing’s Randal M. Hiraki was among three building industry leaders newly inducted March 8 into the Hawaii Business Hall The Junior Achievement of Hawaii event recognizes islanders whose firms have been heralded for encouraging and developing building entrepreneurs. Commercial Plumbing, a Local Local 675 business manager Reggie Castanares congratulates Randy Hiraki. 675 signatory, has been in the forefront establishing incentives for employees interested in improving their management as well as mechanical skills. The company, founded in 1985, is also known for innovations in tackling difficult field problems. “We join everyone in the industry commending Randy, who possibly is the youngest yet recognized by JA, and also for his conscientious commu- nity involvement that includes the Sony Open and the Carole Kai Charities, the latter known for its Aloha Fun Run, on whose board Randy serves as vice president,” noted Local 675 business manager Reginald Castanares. Also honored at the JA ceremony were still-at-work building contractor Ralph S. Inouye, at 98 its most senior awardee to date, and Hilo-based architect Russell Oda. Officials Forecast Banner Year At Kickoff Building Trades Event A bustling year for construction was projected by Governor Neil Abercrombie after he had sworn in Reginald Castanares as returning president and other officers of the Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council at its kickoff luncheon in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Monarch Room. In the throng of celebrants were legislators at all levels. Besides Castanares, also installed were vice president, Damien Kim; financial secretary, Marc Yamane; and trustees Douglas Fulp and Joseph O’Donnell. Council executive director Kika Bukowski emceed. The envisioned work – public and private – long overdue in the state executive’s view complemented new Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell’s pledge to unhinge the permitting roadblocks that have been the Industry’s bane in the recent lackluster years. Abercrombie carried to the podium a log containing dozens of CIP projects past the design stage now awaiting construction bids, with a value he estimated at $40 million per month. “We need to look at ourselves,” he urged the mixed audience of some 350, “to maximize the resources already provided,” a reference to pending final approvals of changes to the urban core in Kakaako and the looming developments at Hoopili and Koa Ridge. Plumbers Union chief Reggie Castanares, repeating as president of the Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, celebrates with key political leaders, Governor Neil Abercrombie, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. JANUARY/MARCH 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 7 Aloha Fun Run Keeps Industry Participants Limber, Healthy “We made it!” had to be the sweetest sound heard from exuberant finishersin the annual Aloha Fun Run in the early hours of Presidents Day. And the more than hundred participants sponsored again by Local Union 675 rejoiced after the 8.5 mile trek from Aloha Tower to the Aloha Stadium where they enjoyed a hearty Union-provided breakfast. Recently retired Donovan Lewis enjoys the Fun Run with family after he also resigned following five years as Local Union 675 president. With him, above, are daughter-inlaw Amy, son Donovan Jr., and daughter Genevieve Texeira. A member since 1973, he became a business agent in 2007. “It’s heartwarming so many enjoy this healthy outing,” business manager Reggie Castanares, smiled as he greeted each finisher. Among early finishers, their official time is arguable because it’s hard to determine when each officially started. On “scout’s honor,” we’ll accept the time of 1 hour 17 minutes 25 seconds as the quickest finish among Local 675’s runners. That was Dallas Sapla, 16, son of Alaka’i Mechanical AC fitter George Sapla. Our congratulations to all who finished, walkers and runners. Strides behind Dallas were brothers Ikaika, 22, and Keanu, 20, who with their retired plumber dad, Randy Freitas, were clocked in at 1:20:48. Wife Lois was in no hurry, joining the thousands oblivious to “breaking records.” “I ran for the changing scenery at sunrise – how beautiful,” she smiled. Another father-son combo also among fast finishers, Dorvin Leis plumber Christopher Motoda and son Jamie, 15, Pacific Buddhist Academy sophomore. Brian and Mary Ronquillio, after their 12th run together, with son Aren, 5, who started with them as a toddler in a stroller. Another early finisher was Dorvin Leis plumber Christopher Motoda, along with son Jamie, 15, a Pacific Buddhist Academy sophomore. A senior seen relaxed at the breakfast was Hawaiian Dredging welder foreman Gordon Caughman, whose running mate was wife Alecia. They also had the company of other ohana, including Alecia’s mother. Even Alan Arakawa took a day off as Maui Mayor joining event founder Carole Kai in welcoming participants. Tsutsui continued from page 4 about me personally. I see it essentially the Governor’s prerogative, as it was during the Territorial years,” he reasoned. A matter he thinks has undeservedly lacked attention with the position is legal coverage of the LG’s expenses, particularly for housing. Neighbor Islanders in the legislature are provided per diem coverage for travel and housing. It gives a sense voters don’t expect a The George Sapla ohana (he in the middle) with Local 675’s top finisher, his son Dallas, far right. non-Oahuan in the LG’s seat,” he said. “Perhaps,” he surmised, “it’s because I’m only the third of l3 in that chair not an Oahu resident.” The previous two were Big Islanders James Kealoha, under first Governor Bill Quinn, and Nelson Doi, who served a term under Governor George Ariyoshi. Tsutsui and wife Lydell, a school teacher, have three public schoolattending daughters. He gets to be with them Friday through Monday. “The two-office arrangement is not ideal, but is a start hopefully as an incentive to encourage those public service-minded,” he said. Among current engagements is heading a group to recommend the best use of vacated public school properties to boost state operations. “This in time will be economically beneficial,” he said. PAGE 8 HA‘AHEO 675 To Cherish with pride Ha‘aheo 675 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 JANUARY/MARCH 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 Tracy Tanouye Recording Secretary David Kamakea Sentry Send Contributions/questions regarding Ha‘aheo 675 to Editor, Elroy Chun Retirees to Aid Food Bank May 14 APRIL Calendar of Events Monday, April 1, 2013 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Washington Middle School-Cafeteria Tuesday, April 9, 2013 MAUI RAP SESSION Maui Community College Wednesday, April 10, 2013 KAUAI RAP SESSION Kauai Community College MAY Monday, May 6, 2013 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Washington Middle School-Cafeteria Tuesday, May 14, 2013 KONA RAP SESSION Kahakai Elementary School Wednesday, May 15, 2013 HILO RAP SESSION Waiakea Intermediate School In Memoriam Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of recently deceased: Hiroshi Okuno .......... 12/30/12 Richard Martin .......... 02/08/13 The Local 675 Retirees Club meets Tuesday, May 14, at the Moanalua Golf Clubhouse, starting at 9 a.m. Attendees are welcomed to assist the Hawaii Food Bank responding to its annual appeal for donations of canned goods. Members are also volunteering to assist with the upcoming UA District 5 Regional Apprenticeship Contest being hosted by UA Local Union 675. For further information, call president Willy Kanno, 487-2773 or 256-0704. 10 New Pensioners Hearty congratulations to our new retirees: John C. Aguada .................... Andrew J. Arakawa .............. Stuart Gooman .................... Richard J. Kuniyoshi ........... Allen M. Zukemura ............. Raynold J. Correia ............... Dennis L. Hayes ................... Warren T.M. Kam ................ Donovan E. Lewis ................ Rylan I. Tanaka .................... 07/01/12 01/01/13 01/01/13 01/01/13 01/01/13 02/01/13 02/01/13 02/01/13 02/01/13 02/01/13 Plumbers Back Diabetes Research The Plumbers & Fitters Union Local 675 was among major supporters at a recent JDRF Hawaii Chapter golf tourney. Funds raised went to research in the curing of Type 1 diabetes. YOUR PHONE CONNECTIONS 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 Credit Union ............... 537-9135 1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level Honolulu, HI 96813 Call office promptly on address change.
Similar documents
Ige, Gov Hopeful, Tops Plumbers Endorsed Slate
Eight Local 675 families have good reasons for pride in their households. Each boasts of a young adult with a $1,000 post-high school scholarship being applied this fall. The grants are from the Pl...
More informationVol. 5 No. 3 Jul-Sep 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675
Work Moving on Neighbor Isles Among current Neighbor Island projects in the building or near-completion process that involve Local 675 signatories are:
More informationHuge Number Mark Career Achievements
Thaddeus Tomei, of the Elevator Constructors Union Local 126, trustee Peter Ganaban, of Laborers Union Local 368; and sergeant-at-arms Gary Aycock, of Boilermakers Union Local 204.
More information