Vol. 5 No. 2 Apr-Jun 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675

To Cherish with prideHa‘aheo 675Volume 5 • No. 2 April/June 2013OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLUMBERS AND FITTERS UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 675, AFL-CIOHonoring Our Plumbing Industry’s Apprenticeship Program“Hawaii’s Kyle Sung displays his prowess finishing as runner-up in the HVACR contest. He is shown being congratulated as the only island winner in the Region5 Apprenticeship Contest by the western district’s top brass, from left, Local 675 business manager Reggie Castanares, UA District 5 vice president Sid Stolper, andCalifornia/Hawaii international representative Bob Lamb.Hawaii-Hosted UA Region 5 Competition Attracts27 Mainland Locals and Earns Praise by VisitorsHawaii unquestionably standsout as a well prepared site asany I’ve previously attended,”Sid Stolper gushed, a tribute that wascheered by all visiting contestants andtheir families, gladdening the locals inthe audience who helped to host forthe first time the (Western) Region 5Apprenticeship Contest.Stolper, the sole district memberon the UA General Executive Board,addressed an almost full house at theHilton Tapa Tower ballroom June 14 atthe awards dinner, fittingly culminatingan almost full week of intensively competitivecontests among finalists drawnfrom ten western states and 27 localsbesides the Hawaii contingent.“We couldn’t be happier for theopportunity the UA gave us to showwhat we can do, and its success we creditto our hardworking Apprenticeshipstaff, retirees, and the many volunteers.That should bode well for beingconsidered again as host for futurecontests,” said elated UA Local 675business manager Reginald Castanares.Noted David K. Kamakea III,the assistant training coordinatorassigned the huge task of chairing theevent’s contest arrangements: “We hadour fingers crossed about doing thingsright, and saw we had little to worryover because of the overwhelmingsupport from all our mainland visitors.They were competitors but theircamaraderie stood out and it just madeour own guys comfortable we couldextend our hospitality such that theyall want to return.”Armando Pulido, who co-hostedat the awards podium, said in his fouryears associated with the contest,“Hawaii met every challenge for aserious competition and really deservesbeing host as long as it wants.” Pulidois the apprenticeship coordinator forLos Angeles-based Local 761.Bob Lamb, UA’s California/Hawaii international representative,was just as exultant, noting also theisland as a setting is an incentive formainlanders to do well in theirrespective specialties to qualify as afinalist.(Continued on Page 3 – see Regional Contest)

PAGE 2 HA‘AHEO 675 APRIL/JUNE 2013A Fight in Congress ManyPrefer Would Not OccurReginald Castanares,Business Manager/Financial SecretaryAlthough Hawaii’s first political election won’t be tillAugust 2014, voters are already being urged to look atthe qualifications of announced candidates.The biggest battle will be for the seat of U.S. Senator.Following the passing last December of Senator DanielInouye, Governor Neil Abercrombie confidently filled theslot with the interim appointment of Lieutenant GovernorBrian Schatz, who serves until next August, after which theseat will be for a full six-year term.Schatz, at 41, has indicated the desire to continue asHawaii’s senior senator in that August body. Our UnitedAssociation (UA) has joined us in supporting that wish onthe basis he provides Hawaii the best opportunity for a keyrole in the chamber that prizes members who show promiseof establishing meaningful seniority for the benefit of both hishome state and the nation. Already with a solid head start,he has significantly demonstrated his capabilities as a statesman.What especially marks a keen sensibility on how the Senateoperates is the manner in which Schatz from the outset hasdeveloped cordial ties with colleagues on both sides of thefloor. It is an astuteness that belies his young years and thatquiet yet graceful approach can only secure positive support.When Schatz started his Washington journey a fondhope was to establish an immediate rapport with his islandcolleagues and sustain a team approach. Many in Hawaiisurely held high hopes our present Congressional quartetwould stick together, at least to mold a solid relationship.That is not to say later Congressional aspirations amongothers should be ignored. In the profound absence of a DanInouye, we feel we’re blessed with a team that we still believewould sow a fresh path. That won’t entirely happen, sadly.Losing any of our present Congressional members – all whowon our initial support – has to be felt severely.Nonetheless, we contend Hawaii’s long term benefit lieswith Brian Schatz continued as our senior senator.Mahalo, UA, For Our Role as Regional HostOur Union Local 675 is grateful for the opportunity to have hosted a regional contest, a first in our so far 93-yearaffiliation with the UA. Entries from ten western states offered our own contestants, who did well, an experience nonewill ever forget.Skills competitions that involve mainland groups seldom take place locally. For that reason we feel the HawaiiTourism Authority has to rejoice that we provided a rather inconspicuous though significant source to consider in itspromotions hereon. Organized labor nationally is a serious market to cultivate. Its collective muscle and role as the keybuilder of America’s middle class should prompt the HTA to look at this seemingly overlooked source for further growthof island tourism.To UA officials Bob Lamb and Sid Stolper, mahalo in marshalling 27 mainland locals to join us on our homegrounds,offering them a taste of our island hospitality, and opening their eyes to the quality and exuberance of our ownwork force . We’re also especially proud of our apprenticeship staff and volunteers for an effort acknowledged superb byany measure.Hopefully this is just the beginning of our newly extended role as “ambassadors of aloha.” Our visitors will surelyspread the word that Hawaii is tuned to conduct serious business.

APRIL/JUNE 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 3Regional Contest (Continued from Page 1)Introduced as top winners in thefive trade categories in order of finishwere:HVACR: lst, Jonathan Crumley, Local342, Oakland, CA; 2nd, Kyle Sung,Local 675, Honolulu, HI.Pipefitter: lst, Joshua Stetson, Local342, Oakland, CA; 2nd, PhilipKronberg, Local 598, Pasco, WA.Plumber: lst, Clint West, Local598, Pasco, WA; 2nd, James Myers,Local 290, Portland, ORSprinklerfitter: lst, RayneldoCoronado, Local 669,Phoenix, AZ; 2nd,Bryan Sloan, Local 709, Whittier, CA.Welder: lst, Nicholas Haney, Local598, Pasco, WA; 2nd, Brandon Smith,Local 290, Portland, OR.Besides Sung, Local 675 apprenticeswho qualified and competed in theregional final were: Jansen Fujinaga,pipefitter; Ryan Yoshimoto, plumber;Melchor Gamiao, sprinklerfitter; andPatrick Lum, welder.The entire Local 675 brotherhoodand the community congratulate all ourisland contestants for an outstandingshowing and the warm aloha eachaccorded the visiting competitors,Castanares said.Photos of Other Highlights of the Region 5Apprenticeship ContestThe “shaka” hand sign expresses the exhilaration of theRegion 5 contestants,UA and Union Local officials and other helping hands at the conclusionof the awards banquet at the Tapa Tower ballroom. At right, Local 675’sDavid Kamakea, chairman of the planning and arrangements for the event,relaxes with Armando Pulido and Michelle Ponce, both from LA-basedLocal 761, as they applaud each award recipient.Turn to Page 6 for additional Region 5 Contest coverage.

PAGE 4 HA‘AHEO 675 APRIL/JUNE 2013First-Ever UA Local 675 GrantsScholarships Aim to Help Further Career TargetsUA Local 675 members andretirees can give theirchildren and grandchildren theopportunity to qualify for scholarshipsto further their educational aims. Theapplication deadline is August 1, 2013.Business Manager ReginaldCastanares said the grants, anunprecedented move, recognizes thegrowing cost of post-high schooleducation. Awards will be annuallymade and are intended to benefit “ourmembers’ youngsters who could use thehelp to prepare for targeted careers.”Grants will individually run upto $1,000. An applicant must havegraduated from a high school in Hawaiiand whose parent, grandparent or legalguardian is a member or retiree in goodstanding with UA Local 675.The number of grants each yearwill be determined by the SelectionCommittee of Imiloa Foundation, aprivate non-profit entity of UA Local675. It will manage and oversee thescholarship program’s administrativefunctions.The cash grants will be available toqualified applicants seeking admissionor currently enrolled in a 2 to 4 yearpost-high school accredited academicprogram, including trade and technicalschools.In addition, a tuition grant programwill be available to students of a highschool or equivalent desiring to join inan educational enhancement program,like SAT prep courses that provide orimprove the student’s knowledge andtesting skills in seeking collegeadmission.Selection criteria will cover theapplicant’s academics, financial need,community involvement, specialawards and honors including publicachievement, and evidence of personalmotivation and eagerness.The application form is available onthe website www.plumbershawaii.com.When submitted, also include acertified copy of a high schooltranscript, a recent head-and-shouldersphotograph (no Xerox copy) , and twoconfidential letters of recommendationfrom non-family members, includingone from a school staff member orcounselor. The letters of recommendationmust be received by August 1and mailed directly to UA Local 675– Scholarship 1109 Bethel StreetLower Level Honolulu, HI 96813.Union’s Cooperation Fund AidsKapiolani Medical ExpansionMembers with young children and grandchildren ought to be delightedwith the $100,000 contribution the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 CooperationFund made recently in their behalf to an ongoing fundraiser by theKapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children to provide long-neededadditional medical/surgical rooms and education space .“During an onsite visit of the McCully facility we recognized its $30million fundraising campaign – of which $25 million has been pledged sinceit began a year ago – will critically meet current and future needs for itsyoung patients,” business manager Reggie Castanares said.“Parents who stay for long periods with infants andchildren up to age 21 requiring urgent care need privacy.We’re blessed to be in position to support the center’sexpansion assuring families will benefit in the comingyears,” he added.

APRIL/JUNE 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 5Thomas YiFormer Immigrant Fulfilling Island Dreams of SuccessHawaii remains a haven for uplifting sagas ofonetime immigrants, particularly those withAsian roots, who had the moxie and motivationto take on initial hardships and prejudices as personalchallenges.“In a new environment and having to get used to anunfamiliar language a foreigner also has to realize it wouldbe awhile to adapt to a brand new culture,” Seoul-bornThomas Yi mused.The founder of Hako Plumbing Inc., an enterprisethat in its 12 years has secured a niche in the isle buildingindustry, claims his success so far is not unique. “I see newcompanies adjust to frequent changes, indicating their leadershave common characteristics – devoted to working hard, notafraid of adversity, and especially backing their partners andemployees,” the perceptive not quite 50 Yi noted.“Though my business has somewhat matured, thereis much to learn and master the advantages of changingtechnology,” he added. Yi recalls two incidents changed thecourse of his life. First, when a business started in his 20scollapsed after the South Korea economy soured. An eldersister urged he try his luck in Hawaii where she lived notingit has good working opportunities. Young as he was then,he didn’t see it a dicey move. Like other non-Englishspeakingimmigrants, finding a job regardless of theremuneration was top priority. He soon found work witha non-union plumbing shop, and gradually acquired theknow-how to qualify as a licensed plumber. “I shortlyrealized becoming naturalized was the next step, only laterfinding it would widen business doors for me,” he said.He also proudly adopted his current name, which he feltcompleted his assimilation of a new culture.The desire to start on his own resulted in formingHako (a name chosen combining “Hawaii” and “Korea”,he explained). “I affiliated with the Plumbers Local Union675 four years ago, convinced only quality workers wouldassure quality work and saw the Union’s Training Centerthe answer to assuring work competence,” Yi said.The other fortuitous circumstance occurred some sixyears ago when the Aloha Tofu Factory decided to sell asizeable empty lot across from its primary Akepo Lanequarters in Palama in the midst of a statewide slump. Yi sawit a long-term solution to his vision of developing a complexof licensed construction services, which now includes generalcontracting, sparingly used, and plumbing and fire sprinklerwork. The young business proceeded to build and completea two-story concrete masonry structure that houses all itsneeds, sufficient to shutter the space earlier rented inHako Plumbing plumbers Isaac Tanodra and Patrick Shimizu teamon a Hickam AFB job, one of the firm’s military site projects.Mapunapuna that was the firm’s original base of operations.“I’ve been blessed since coming here, and even found mybride, who is Korea-born” he grinned. “We have two adultsons, Adam and Eric, neither in the business,” he laughed.“In construction we enjoy ties with old and newfriends, as well as competitors, because we all speak thesame language, a way of learning from each other, themodest contractor feels. “My model is Patrick Shinn ofNan Inc., a contemporary who patiently guided me aboutproject sources and job skills. It explains why our jobs arelargely with the military. Generous help like Shinn’sincreases my appreciation of Hawaii and inspires me tojoin in making my adopted home an even better society,”Yi said, emphatically.

PAGE 6 HA‘AHEO 675 APRIL/JUNE 2013Meet Our Other Island Contestants in the Region 5 CompetitionJansen Fujinaga, PipefitterPatrick Lum, WelderMelchor Gamiao, SprinklefitterRyan Yoshimoto, PlumberLocal 675 Retirees who pitched in to make the regional contest successful and fun. From left, RondenNumasaki (Active), Ricky Key, Willy Kanno, Bobby Fernandez, Wayne Murakami, David Kondo, TommySakata, Mel Suganuma, Derek Hirao, Clyde Chinen, James Matsuura, Elpidio Tivera, and MyronMatsumoto. Missing: Vernon Rosa and Don Williams.Sample ReactionsFrom Our VisitorsWill Nickell, assistant director,Local 140, Salt Lake City: “Honolulu’sa great venue. Only wish it didn’t cost somuch to be here. We had four in all fromour Local, surely, more would’ve enjoyedcoming.”How a few contestants felt:From Local 598, Pesco, WA:“It sure is a fun place even for seriousbusiness” – Philip Kronberg,pipefitter; “Terrific, great hosts!” – ClintWest, plumber.From Local 290, Portland, OR:“Organized well, treated royally” – DallasCrone, pipefitter; “A dream experience”- James Myers, plumber.

APRIL/JUNE 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 7Industry Bills Await Governor’s ApprovalThe legislative shift of procurement functions fromthe University of Hawaii to the Department ofAccounting & General Services (DAGS) alsocalls for the Board of Regents to install an independentaudit committee. The move was the essence of Act 87signed by the Governor May 31.Other industry-related bills awaiting review by theGovernor include:SB 586: Clarifies that agricultural building permitsmay be issued allowing an exemption from building coderequirements under certain defined circumstances. Theexemption covers nonresidential buildings or structures,including indigenous Hawaiian hale on commercial farmsand ranches located outside the urban district.HB 1202: Clarifies that a professional or vocationallicensee who corrects an inadvertent lapse with licensingrequirements within 60 days after relicensing due shallnot be guilty of unlicensed activity.HB 763: Modifies the composition and quorumof the Hawaii State Building Code council and revisesthe State Building Code. Also authorizes the Hawaii HurricaneRelief FundSB 454: Requires use of gray water, as a water conservationstep, to conform the State Plumbing Code. Gray water is defined.SB 682: Clarifies authority of County Fire Chiefs in examiningbuilding plans and documentation, to ensure compliance withthe County’s adopted fire code. Requires permit issuance beforework starts.Among resolutions sent to the Governor was SR 58 thatrequests the Comptroller to set up a study task force on theState Procurement Code and changes needed to streamline andimprove the procurement strategies on public works constructionprojects.Senate Asks LicenseBoard Review ofAutomatic “C” Licensesfor “B” GeneralsA possible overhaul of certain “C” specialtylicenses issued by the State Contractors LicenseBoard will be considered after it has reviewedcomments due by June 30.The request, embodied in SCR 84, noteschanges the Board recommends plus input fromother industry sources will be studied by theLegislative Reference Bureau with a report readyfor the next legislative session.Currently a “B” General Contractor canperform certain “C” specialty work not subject toan examination or pay the license fee required ofthe “C” applicant.The resolution reflects the legislature’s concernfor fairness in determining license qualificationsand how the present practice compares with thosein other jurisdictions.The plumbing and allied trades in Local 675’sjurisdiction are not among the “C” licensesautomatically given.New Journeymen toGraduate July 6Anxiously awaiting receipt of their program completioncertificates on July 6 are 62 members who completed theirfive-year apprenticeships in either the past fall or this springclass. The number compares to the 100 who graduated ayear ago, according to apprenticeship coordinator HaroldMcDermott.The event at the Hilton Coral Ballroom will honor as newgraduates in the various specialties: Plumber, 36; RefrigerationAir Conditioning, 12; Fire Sprinkler, 8; and Steamfitter-Welder, 6.Benefits Conference Slated on KauaiLocal 675 members and their ohana on the GardenIsland are encouraged to attend a membership benefitsconference scheduled Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Kauai Marriott & Beach Club.The PAMCAH-Union’s associated resources on healthcare, financial, investment and tax benefits will be availableto answer inquiries from attendees. For the keiki, therewill be goodies and entertainment to keep them amused.Attendees need to show their HMSA or Union card at theevent. Also invited are pensioners no longer members whoneed to bring an ID card, and for signatory employers, abusiness card.

PAGE 8 HA‘AHEO 675 APRIL/JUNE 2013To Cherish with prideHa‘aheo 675Official PublicatiOn Of the Plumbers and fitters united assOciatiOn lOcal 675, afl-ciOHa‘aheo 675 is the official publication of thePlumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 6751109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813(808) 536-5454www.plumbershawaii.comReginald CastanaresBusiness Manager/Financial SecretaryValentino CeriaPresidentTracy TanouyeRecording SecretaryDavid KamakeaSentryPlumbers and FittersUnited AssociationLocal 6751109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813Send Contributions/questions regardingHa‘aheo 675 to Editor, Elroy ChunAUGUSTSEPTEMBEROCTOBERCalendar of EventsSaturday, August 17, 2013KAUAI MEMBERSHIPBENEFITS CONFERENCEKauai Marriott Resort & Beach ClubMonday, September 9, 2013GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGWashington Middle School-CafeteriaTuesday, September 10, 2013MAUI RAP SESSIONMaui Community CollegeWednesday, September 11, 2013KAUAI RAP SESSIONKauai Community CollegeMonday, October 7, 2013GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGWashington Middle School-CafeteriaTuesday, October 8, 2013KONA RAP SESSIONKahakai Elementary SchoolWednesday, October 9, 2013HILO RAP SESSIONWaiakea Intermediate SchoolRetirees Exceed Past Year’s Food Bank DonationThe UA Local 675 Retirees Club at its May 15 quarterly meeting enjoyedan exchange with the Union leadership and also gratified the ApprenticeshipOffice volunteering its services at the recent Western Region 5 Contest.“We’re also pleased to provide 181pounds of canned goods in our annualdrive, which was double the previousyear’s donation,” Willy Kanno, clubpresident, noted proudly. The group nextmeets on Tuesday, August 13, at 9 a.m. atthe Moanalua Golf Clubhouse.In MemoriamHeartfelt sympathy and condolencesto the family of recently deceased:Francis S. Futugawa ... 02/28/13Thomas J. Tsuha ........ 03/08/13Winfred S. Lucero ...... 05/21/13Six End Trade CareersCongratulations and best years ahead forrecently approved pensioners:Richard J. Cook ................... 02/01/12Fred M. Endo ....................... 05/01/13Gary H. Hayakawa .............. 04/01/13Myles T. Miyazaki ................ 06/01/13Norman A. Taylor ................ 05/01/13Pulia L. Tuha ........................ 04/01/13YOUR PHONECONNECTIONSLocal 675 Office ........... 536-54541109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813Administrative Office ... 536-44081109 Bethel Street, Suite 403Honolulu, HI 96813Health & WelfarePension, AnnuityVacation & HolidayTraining Workshop ..... 456-058597-731B Kamehameha Hwy.Pearl City, HI 96782Credit Union ............... 537-91351109 Bethel Street, Lower LevelHonolulu, HI 96813Call office promptly on address change.