Professors joined by 800 in union march
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Union members descended upon Honolulu yesterday for pre-Labor Day picnics, a concert and a march for education and solidarity.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
More than 10,000 people were expected before the night was out at the AFL-CIO third annual Labor in Concert at the Waikiki Shell. Many had attended other labor events earlier, including the annual Unity House picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park and the Teamsters' picnic at Sand Island.
Two-year-old Sangha Websterschultz held a sign before a union march organized by the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly to show support for public school teachers and laid off ILWU hotel workers.
But the event that surprised even its own organizers with its turnout was held for the first time yesterday; a solidarity march sponsored by the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly.
Organizers said they hope the event will evolve into an annual Labor Day parade.
More than 800 members of various unions joined the professors at Kapi'olani Community College and marched, signs raised and bullhorns blaring, to the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel.
University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle joined the march for at least part of the route, said UHPA president Alex Malahoff.
Solidarity with Hawai'i's school teachers as they work through contract disputes with the state, and with the ILWU hotel workers who lost their jobs after the Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Hotel went into receivership were among the issues that united the marchers.
"It's about time we all got together and supported each other," said ILWU Local 142 President Bo Lapenia Jr. He shouted to be heard over the marchers, Local 5 leader Eric Gill on the bullhorn and loud music broadcast into the street from the Aston.
Aston managers have responded to earlier protests at the hotel by saying the unions should be targeting the previous owners of the hotel.
