Ha‘aheo 675 To Cherish with pride OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIO Volume 4 • No. 3 July/September 2012 95 Complete Training Program, Primed for Promise of Jump in Jobs H awaii’s 95 recent plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeship program graduates are looking to a rosier job market after being lauded June 30 at their commencement by an array of UA, Local 675 and management representatives. Business manager Reginald Castanares compared their status at the moment of their formal training completion with peers fresh out of college. “You already can fill any opening you qualified for as a result of your five years of classroom and on-the-job experience, whereas many college graduates are looking for jobs tailored to their major and are also concerned with recovering the costs of their education,” he said. Governor Neil Abercrombie prefaced the Local 675 chief’s observation noting bluntly, “you earned your way,” in reference to the work entailed toward achieving their goal. He said each graduate met the specified program demands of both the Local and the UA, a guaranty to consumers as a qualified craftsman. Robert (Bob) Lamb II, the UA’s international representative for California and Hawaii, recalling his career, said the “successful worker is always ready to go the full eight hours each day.” He reiterated an appraisal made a year ago of the training venues “updated and good as any in the country, which the Local should be very proud of.” James Hart, director of the UA’s Metal Trades Department, praised the Local’s training standards as “tops” ranking it among the UA’s best-run programs. Ken Richardson, PAMCA president, reminded that graduation doesn’t mean the end to schooling. “Our industry provides courses to help upgrade skills and many journeymen take advantage what the center offers.” PAMCAH LOCAL 675 46th Graduation Ceremony Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Hilton Hawaiian Village • June 30 2012
Transcript
Ha‘aheo 675To Cherish with pride
Official PublicatiOn Of the Plumbers and fitters united assOciatiOn lOcal 675, afl-ciO
Volume 4 • No. 3 July/September 2012
95 Complete Training Program, Primed for Promise of Jump in Jobs
Hawaii’s 95 recent plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeship program graduates are looking to a rosier job market after being lauded June 30 at
their commencement by an array of UA, Local 675 and management representatives.
Business manager Reginald Castanares compared their status at the moment of their formal training completion with peers fresh out of college. “You already can fill any opening you qualified for as a result of your five years of classroom and on-the-job experience, whereas many college graduates are looking for jobs tailored to their major and are also concerned with recovering the costs of their education,” he said.
Governor Neil Abercrombie prefaced the Local 675 chief ’s observation noting bluntly, “you earned your way,” in reference to the work entailed toward achieving their goal. He said each graduate met the specified program demands
of both the Local and the UA, a guaranty to consumers as a qualified craftsman.
Robert (Bob) Lamb II, the UA’s international representative for California and Hawaii, recalling his career, said the “successful worker is always ready to go the full eight hours each day.” He reiterated an appraisal made a year ago of the training venues “updated and good as any in the country, which the Local should be very proud of.”
James Hart, director of the UA’s Metal Trades Department, praised the Local’s training standards as “tops” ranking it among the UA’s best-run programs.
Ken Richardson, PAMCA president, reminded that graduation doesn’t mean the end to schooling. “Our industry provides courses to help upgrade skills and many journeymen take advantage what the center offers.”
PAMCAH LOCAL 67546th Graduation Ceremony
Fall 2011/Spring 2012Hilton Hawaiian Village • June 30 2012
Democratic Convention Sharpens Focus on Nation’s Real Needs
I felt a recent exposure to a major party convention boosted my belief our Nation is ready to restore its global leadership.
It was awesome seeing how a political party picks its leader and responds to challenges, globally and nationally. Among Hawaii’s official delegates, I was not only on the ground level of deliberations over three days, I also caught the vibrations from folks on the streets of the host city how they felt about America.
Talk of democracy at the grassroots. The people of Charlotte, NC, were no different than us expressing the same concerns we have on pocketbook issues and the barriers that need to be lifted to raise our country back to its once lofty heights. One couldn’t avoid sensing that they too worry about a depressed middle class.
Joining also our UA brothers across the country, I learned further that some areas suffer the pangs of a divided brotherhood. It is not an insurmountable issue and one that needs to be resolved if we seriously want to achieve our com-mon goals.
No need to point fingers for that dilemma. Smile if you must, but it’s an observation that I carry – that the success we as organized labor have enjoyed in recent decades has affected how we all worked together in the past. We’re not quite like the big profit-making businesses, many whose independent ways often hurt smaller businesses. Organized labor can’t afford divisions, particularly in a small state and isolated as we are.
In our annual tribute to Labor Day it is an appropriate time to reflect on its vital message: that we as workers are caretakers for each other.
That in a way brings to mind the specter of a possibly diminished mass transit for Honolulu. The court ruling on the City’s archaeological impact study (AIS) was more than distracting and, at worst, could reduce the scope of the project downtown. The project remains a go, but the delay in
Local 675 Choices for the Nov. 6 General ElectionNote: District races not shown involve candidates unopposed or left open without endorsement.
Reginald Castanares, Business Manager/Financial Secretary
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Richard Onishi-D (Dist. 3) Denny Coffman-D (Dist. 5)Angus McKelvey-D (Dist. 10) Kaniela Ing-D (Dist. 11) Kyle Yamashita-D (Dist. 12)Diana “Mele” Carroll-D (Dist. 13) Daynette “Dee” Morikawa-D (Dist. 16) Mark Hashem-D (Dist. 18)Bert Kobayashi-D (Dist. 19) Calvin Say-D (Dist. 20)Isaac Choy-D (Dist. 23) Takashi Ohno-D (Dist. 27) John Mizuno-D (Dist. 28) Linda Ichiyama-D (Dist. 32) K. Mark Takai-D (Dist. 33)Marilyn Lee-D (Dist. 36) Ryan Yamane-D (Dist. 37) Ty Cullen-D (Dist. 39) Sharon Har-D (Dist. 42) Georgette “Jo” Jordan-D (Dist. 44) Jacob Bradshaw-D (Dist. 45) Marcus Oshiro-D (Dist. 46)
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULUMayor Kirk Caldwell
Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro
City Council Kymberly Pine (Dist. 1)Ann Kobayashi (Dist. 5) Jon Yoshimura (Dist. 6) Sy Cullen (Dist. 9)
COUNTY OF HAWAII Mayor William “Billy” Kenoi
Prosecuting Attorney Lincoln Ashida
County Council Valerie Poindexter (Dist. 1) Frederick Blas (Dist. 4) Maile David (Dist. 6) Oliver Shimaoka (Dist. 9)
COUNTY OF MAUI County Council Michael “Mike” Victorino (Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu) Don Guzman (Kahului)Donald Couch Jr.( South Maui) Gladys Baisa (Upcountry) Wison Peters (Molokai)
COUNTY OF KAUAI Prosecuting Attorney Justin Roller
County Council Jay Furfaro Nadine Nakamura Dickie Chang
construction work won’t ease the bottom line for most crafts like ours, all eyeing the long-awaited resumption of near full employment .
We must, nonetheless, stay steadfast with our political choices, who all seek to end Oahu’s traffic stagnation. Our mayoralty candidate, Kirk Caldwell, before the court action, had indicated a willingness to effect project changes. We’re grateful for the membership’s perseverance in its support and understanding of our position. Again please refer to the page listing our endorsements.
On another bright note, I salute our apprenticeship program. It has been revamped to respond to technological changes that affect trades in our jurisdiction. A major factor for the exciting changes has been our UA. Its visiting representatives through their recommendations helped us become one of the UA’s more progressive locals.
Your Ballot Can Be the DifferenceThe stories of election victories by just one vote are mostly true. Make
yours count this General Election. Here are key dates:
Oct. 8: Voter registration deadline. Need application postmarked by that date.Oct. 23 – Nov. 3: Early walk-in voting.Oct. 30: Deadline 4:30 p.m. at City Clerk’s office for absentee application. Nov. 6: General Election. Make your vote count.
Guests from the UA, Jim Hart, second from left, and Bob Lamb join Local 675’s Donovan Lewis, Reggie Castanares and Val Ceria, honoring the 46th apprenticeship graduation class.
Hundreds of local families were united September 2 at the Waikiki Shell for their Labor Day funfest and annual salute toAmerica’s work force. The traditional picnic under sunny skies was also a magnet for endorsed candidates.
Found mixing with members at the Local 675 booth that attracted an endless line of ono slush addicts were Congresswomen Colleen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono, mayor aspirant Kirk Caldwell, and City Council candidates Jon Yoshimura and Kymberly Pine.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senate aspirant, is greeted warmly at the Labor Day Unity picnic by the Plumbers Union’s Glenn Ida and Val Ceria.
Updating and revising the present curriculum in the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 apprenticeship training program
has started this fall semester. The changes urged by business manager Reginald Castanares aim to improve outcomes through each grade level.
The staff training coordinators are executing fresh lesson plans after thorough review and development of new curriculum standards. An example: for first-year enrollees, math/solder brazing classes will undergo 108 hours of combined related and hands-on instruction instead of the once-traditional 80 hours of related instruction along with 28 hours hands-on instruction.
Each apprentice, at class beginning, will have course material that identify specific learning goals and expected outcome from the course. An exam will follow at semester-close to determine whether goals are met. Only a passing grade will qualify advancement into the next semester.
Assistant training coordinator Kirk Kageno, at the business manager’s request, has designed a new 108 hour market refrigeration course available at the Iwilei facility. The addition will expand the curriculum by including a supermarket refrigera-tion aspect.
The latter innovation will include an actual running system utilizing the latest compressor rack units, digital controllers, multi-temperature display cases, and walk-in boxes. The plan contains the parts found commonly in commercial refrigeration. The result is to allow apprentices becoming exposed to updated technology in the refrigeration field.
In October new apprentice recruitment will open with support of the state’s Work Force Development Agency. Thanks also to the Governor’s initiation of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) with state CIPs, a high demand for pipe trade apprentices is anticipated.
The training coordinators, with the program’s instructors, join the business manager congratulating the program’s recent graduates. They proudly reflect the integrity and values of our celebrated pipe trades.
Curriculum Changes Reflect Progress in Apprenticeship Program
A Festive Labor Day for Plumbing Industry Ohana and Other Local Brotherhoods
Slush, anyone? Try the Plumbers booth.
Hawaii is small and distantly remote but it has an extraordinary political punch in Washington, says UA General President William P. Hite.
Hite’s assessment was made after learning from Local 675 business business manager Reggie Castanares of the primary election victories of the island union’s candidate choices, Mazie Hirono as potential successor for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, and also Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard, House candidates in Congressional Districts l and 2.
“Our members embrace these three island Democrats. I’ve had the great privilege knowing your Congressional incumbents and I look forward to seeing Tulsi, a vibrant, fresh face,” he said.
The UA chief stressed the importance of maintaining the Democrat majority in the Senate. “We value the critical position Senator Daniel Inouye holds as chair of the power-ful Appropriations Committee, and Mazie’s elevation to the Senate would be reassuring.”
The daughter of an immigrant mother from Japan, Mazie started in Honolulu’s public school system as a young child and very early showed the moxie and intelligence to do well in the classroom as her tribute to a parent who wanted her youngsters raised in the islands.
“I’ve been fortunate in the years growing up with friends who gave me positive vibes about involvement in the com-munity and it helped shape my career course, studying law and putting it to use in a capacity that could help better the chosen society of my family,” she said.
Shortly after obtaining a law degree from Georgetown University followed up with practice in a law firm, the politi-
Hawaii on Verge of A Historic First
UA Head Sees Hirono Win Will Assure Democrat Control of Senate
cal bug bit. By 1982 she ran for the state house and was successful over eight terms before becoming Hawaii’s first lady lieutenant governor, a job she held for two terms.
After losing a bid for the governorship in 2000, Mazie seized the opportunity to run for a vacant Congressional seat in 2006, which she is exiting after three terms. A stunning 20,000 vote margin in the recent Democratic primary raised her confidence she could win a race seen historic as the victor will be Hawaii’s first-ever woman in the U.S. Senate.
“I believe voters understand what the stakes are for the nation in this coming election,” Mazie said “First is our fervent hope to return our native son back to the Presidency and also give him another Senate majority to help protect and enhance healthcare and related social needs for our middle class and other impoverished elements in our society.”
Harold McDermott Jr., Training Coordinator
Our Apprenticeship Graduate ‘All-Stars’
PERFECT CLASS ATTENDANCE Johnson L. Agpoon Catalino M. Pascua Jr. Iokepa Auwae Scott C. Pasion Simon P. Facuri-Juario Nathan D. Ramos Clinton W. Gomes Shane K. Sablan Ryan A. Higaki Terrence A. Salvida Kaipo Kekauoha Jarrett A. Seo Jason Y. Kim Sheldon I. Sojot Christopher C. Kuga Kip A. Stump Sr. Kevin D. McAndrew Rodney Y. Takara Richard U. Mercado Desmond J. Urata Clint J. Nahina Brenton K. Uyeno Nathaniel T.K. Nakagawa Joseph Whitford IV
FALL 2011/SPRING 2012 CONTEST WINNERS PLUMBING APPRENTICES 1st: Rodney T. Takara 3rd: Benjamin S. Miura 2nd: Nathaniel T.K. Nakagawa
REFRIGERATION/AIR CONDITIONING APPRENTICES 1st: Richard U. Mercado 3rd: Christopher Nguyen 2nd: Michael I. Gonhata
FIRE SPRINKLER APPRENTICES 1st: Aaron J. Holtzlider 3rd: Stephen S. Daliglig 2nd: Chris Tamayo
STEAMFITTER-WELDER APPRENTICES 1st: Alfred L. Maglangit 3rd: Kevin D. McAndrew 2nd: Keawekuloa K. Leong
Seeking a career in the plumbing and related trades? The Local 675 apprenticeship program
invites applicants to choose any one of its listed trades. The application fee is $20.
The application period will be from October 15 through 26 (Monday through Friday only) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Plumbers & Fitters Training Center, 731-B Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City.
Requirements: Minimum entry age 17; has a valid driver’s license; evidence of a high school diploma,
GED certificate or equivalent. Subject to a placement evaluation test with minimum passing score of 70%. May provide validated previous trade experi-ence if it is considered relevant. Turn in required documents to Training Center by 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Those passing requirements will then be interviewed for placement on waiting list as eligible applicants. A committee will name 25 persons for each of the trade categories as beginning apprentices.
The coming recruitment reflects the likelihood of increased construction activity over the next few years and a
need to fill the openings resulting from retirements, explained Reggie Castanares, Local 675 business manager, who also chairs the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee for the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. “We’ve attracted excellent recruits in the past and this year should not be an exception. We sense possibly a record interest and turnout based on the various estimates of projects break-ing out as reported by both the public and private sectors,” he added.
For more information go to www.plumbershawaii.com.
Benefits Conference A Chance For Family Fun and Information
Local 675 will conduct its annual membership benefits conference bringing together all the professional and other program resources for almost a full day to help explain the facets of the member’s benefits package.
The conference on Oahu this year will be on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village. Call (808) 536-4408 to RSVP.
On tap will be live entertainment, great kaukau, and even fun and games for the keiki, along with door prizes and give-aways. Park free in the hotel garage.
Attendees can get a free flu shot, just bring a medical card (HMSA or Medicare Part B).
FCU Offers Holiday Loan Special
If you hear bells jingling, it’s your Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 675 FCU getting you excited for the new Santa Season.
Up through Dec. 31, the FCU is dangling an appeal-ing holiday package that includes a maximum loan of $3,000, a rate as low as 5.99% and pay back in 24 months. Call 808-537-9135.
Maui Members Learn of Union Benefits, Meet Senator Inouye
Some 300 Valley Isle-based members with their ohana enjoyed a relaxing August Saturday at The Grand Wailea where Local 675 held a Neighbor Isle benefits conference. Photo at left, a jubilant Kawika Johnson, a refrigeration fitter with Alaka’i Mechanical, shows his grand prize, a Costco gift card, cheered by daughters Kellis, left, and Eliana. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, who addressed the turnout, poses with Maui County Councilman Michael Victorino and his wife Joycelyn. The Victorinos’ son is Los Angeles Dodgers standout, leftfielder Shane Victorino. A similar membership benefits conference for Oahu-based members and their dependents is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.in the Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village. For those who plan to attend call 536-4408.
We haven’t seen studies that disclose at what approximate average age a person begins
a construction trade apprenticeship. “I would guess high school graduates hold off a few years before seriously deciding on a craft career. That figures when prospects eyeing trades like plumbing find math knowledge perti-nent,” notes Plumbers & Fitters Local 675 apprenticeship coordinator Harold McDermott Jr.
That accounts for many applicants to our program who are a bit older than the usual entry, he indicated.
Among this year’s graduates, Nathaniel T.K. Nakagawa typifies the younger level of entries, though he actually started three years after graduating from Kamehameha School. “Circumstances vary after high school. For me it was college or find a job first,” Nakagawa said. “I got a job at City Mill. That setting exposed to me familiarity with different trade tools.”
Working partly in the plumbing section and talking to customers gave a
A Late Start Pays Off for Some
Apprenticeships Draw Maturer Applicantsfeeling it was a trade I could be comfortable with as a career,” he noted.
At 21, Nakagawa began his apprenticeship, not deterred by the next five years to become a tradesman. “The beauty of the program was that I not only learned as much as possible about my primary focus, plumbing, but I had exposure to other trade components, useful if you want to switch to another specialty,” he said.
“In an on-the-job training program it’s not just reading a book or watching you-tube, your hands and mind have to be synchronized on a real job that gives no room for mistakes,” he said.
Nakagawa was runner-up in a local trade competition and represented his trade at a recent regional contest. He was recently laid off but is now prepar-ing for his journeyman licensing.
THOUGHTS of bettering his future dawned a bit later for another recent graduate, steamfitter-welder Quinton K. Kanae, 37. He started his apprenticeship in 2007 after six years as an irrigation engineer for six years with Turtle Bay Hilton.
Kanae’s post-high school period began as a student at Eastern Arizona College, cut short by birth of daughter Kalei, prompting the young father and his wife Robyn to begin a vocational life. After arrival of two more youngsters he was swayed later by longtime buddies, Local 675 members Mark Diego and Elbert Fraticelli that it‘s never late to switch careers. Encouraged also by his family, he pursued the challenge. “I look back at what I’ve achieved and must agree, no matter the age, one can make changes,” he smiled.
He’s not only enjoying his work with mechanical contractor Critchfield Pacific, Kanae’s now a proud grandfather, and at 37, feels the “whole new world is ahead for my family.”
Points out McDermott: “Kanae is an example of our program’s appeal with the more mature. They see the trade offers opportunities for the good life. Just as important is that more youngsters see our program a doorway to a better future.”
Yoshimura Seeks Council Return
Former Honolulu City Council chairman Jon Yoshimura, after six years on the Washington staff of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, is home with an eye on returning to the City Council. He is among ten candidates vying to represent Council District 6 (Makiki/ Downtown/Nuuanu/Kalihi Valley).
The seat, vacated by Tulsi Gabbard, a candidate for the U.S. Congress, has two years remaining.
“I’m grateful for Senator Akaka’s heartfelt belief I would overcome my admitted personal issues and eventually be in position to resume a passionate interest in public ser-vice,” Yoshimura, an attorney and former broadcast journalist, said.
During his eight previous Council years, he authored two voter-approved City Charter amendments, one establishing the Office of the City Auditor and the other, set-ting renewable five-year terms for the Honolulu Police Chief. He also backed community policing teams safeguarding the interest of senior citizens, and helping revitalize the Down-town/Chinatown corridor.
Yoshimura said he supports improvements to the City’s decaying infrastructure.
PAGE 8 HA‘AHEO 675 JULY/SEPTEMBER 2012
Ha‘aheo 675 is the official publication of thePlumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 675
1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-5454www.plumbershawaii.com
Reginald Castanares Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Donovan Lewis President
Valentino Ceria Vice President
Tracy Tanouye Recording Secretary
David KamakeaSentry
Send Contributions/questions regarding Ha‘aheo 675 to Editor, Elroy Chun
Plumbers and FittersUnited Association Local 6751109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813
YOUR PHONE CONNECTIONS
Local 675 Office .......... 536-5454 1109 Bethel Street, Lower Level Honolulu, HI 96813
Administrative Office .. 536-44081109 Bethel Street, Suite 403 Honolulu, HI 96813
Health & Welfare Pension, Annuity Vacation & Holiday
Training Workshop .... 456-058597-731B Kamehameha Hwy. Pearl City, HI 96782
Credit Union .............. 537-91351109 Bethel Street, Lower Level Honolulu, HI 96813
Call office 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
OCTO
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NOVE
MBE
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MBE
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Monday, October 1, 2012 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Washington Middle School-Cafeteria
Saturday, October 6, 2012 OAHU MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS CONFERENCE Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballrooms III-V - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 MAUI RAP SESSION Maui Community College
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 KAUAI RAP SESSION Kauai Community College
Thursday, November 1, 2012 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Washington Middle School-Cafeteria
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 GENERAL ELECTION
Thursday, November 22, 2012 THANKSGIVING DAY
Six Call it a CareerBest wishes to Local 675’s latest pensioners:
Melvin G.L. Chang ............. 09/01/12 Arnold J. Hatzenbuhler ...... 08/01/12 Ryan R. Higaki ................... 08/01/12 Ricky S. Suganuma ............. 08/01/12 Earle H. Suyeoka ................ 08/01/12 Craig S. Takamura .............. 08/01/12
In MemoriamHeartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of recently deceased: Larry S. Kaneshiro .... 06/22/12
Retirees Club Meets Nov. 13Recent Local 675 pensioners are
welcomed to join the Union’s Retirees Club. Its next meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Moanalua Golf Club-house, preceded by breakfast.
On tap is election of a first vice-pres-ident, recording secretary, and a director, said president Willy Kanno. The club at its previous meeting adopted a bylaw change setting office term limits.
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