Over 120 volunteers braved the rain on April 12 to take part in this year’s Labor of Love at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School. Labor unions, students, and community partners came together to install new tables and benches, stripe the parking lot, and repaint walkways across campus. While the physical upgrades were easy to spot, the most meaningful outcomes came from the connections and conversations that took place throughout the months-long projects.
Students had the unique opportunity to work side by side with union members, learning firsthand about career opportunities, job expectations, and the paths to enter various industries. These one-on-one conversations provided students with a chance to ask questions, hear personal experiences, and receive genuine advice on getting started in the trades.
These weren’t presentations. They were real conversations that gave students a clearer view of what’s possible and how to get there. There was space to ask questions, listen to stories, and build connections that don’t happen in a classroom.
Mahalo to Principal Kim Williamson and the outstanding school staff for their unwavering support and pride in their students and school community. And mahalo nui loa to the unions, volunteers, local businesses, organizations, and behind-the-scenes coordinators whose hard work made this event a success. Every project requires extensive planning, collaboration, and dedication, and we thank each of you for being the heart of the Labor of Love.
The B-roll for “Labor of Love” was filmed by IATSE members shadowed by PHIS students who are interested in the entertainment industry. We were featured on Hawaii News Now and Island Life Live, shining a spotlight on the incredible work and mentoring that make up Labor of Love.
Mahalo to all the labor unions, contractors, and community organizations who made this possible:
- Goodfellow Bros.
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Hawaii Department of Education
- Hawaii Electricians Training Program
- Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Local 1463
- Hawaii Government Employees Association Local 152
- Hawaii Nurses Association OPEIU Local 50
- Hawaii State Teachers Association
- HPM Building Supply
- IATSE Local 665
- IBEW Local 1186
- IBU
- ILWU Local 142
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 665
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186
- International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 126
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades DC-50
- Isemoto Contracting Co.
- Laborers’ International Union North America, Local 368
- Marimed Foundation
- Marine Fireman’s Union
- Masons Unions
- Nan Inc
- National Elevator Industry Educational Program
- Operating Engineers Local 3
- Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675
- Sailors of the Pacific
- Seafarers International Union
- Tongue Point Job Corps Center
- UNITE HERE Local 5
- United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646
More than $55,000 in labor, materials, and equipment was contributed, turning needed upgrades into a reality for the school. But the real impact was in the time spent, the stories shared, and the message sent to students.
