Charles Shigemura, HGEA mainstay

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer

Charles Y. Shigemura, who served as a union official for more than three decades in the formative years of the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, died Tuesday. He was 83.

Shigemura worked as a fiscal officer for the Honolulu Department of Finance from 1941 until he retired in 1974. For most of that time, he was a union steward and officer, including treasurer, vice president and a member of the union's board of directors.

It was during his time as HGEA vice president in 1972 that state and county employees won the right to organize for collective bargaining and affiliated with a national union, AFSCME.

"His leadership was especially important during the years when HGEA was struggling with the new right to organize," HGEA President Russell Okata said yesterday. "He was always there when the union or I needed him."

Shigemura also served for almost 25 years as a director and officer of the Honolulu City and County Employees Federal Credit Union.

"Even in retirement, he continued to help his union (HGEA)," Okata said. "And he would call me to let me know if I did a good job or if I didn't do a good job. He was honest and sincere and I appreciated hearing from him."

Shigemura is survived by his wife, Mildred; son, Neal; daughter Charmille R. Abe; brother, James; sisters, Amy M. Murai and Muriel T. Omiya; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary, with service to follow. Casual attire. No flowers.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.