Making a Difference

Staff and members of the Hawai`i Carpenters Union use their expertise to judge the construction results of Block Kids at Kapalama Elementary School. "Block Kids" is sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction and allows children to use their imagination and develop their creative side using blocks in construction. Hawai`i Carpenters Union sponsors six annual picnics across the islands. Members and their families and friends use this time to bond with each other and build unity in the community.

As members of the community, the Hawai`i Carpenters Union believes that our role extends beyond the job site. Members of our workforce have donated their time and skills to schools, civic centers and special events. Many of our members are leaders and outstanding citizens in their respective communities. And when political currents threaten the livelihood of our members, we advocate on their behalf to government bodies, taking strong stands to protect the past and future progress of the organization.

A Tradition of Giving

The Hawai`i Carpenters Union has a strong tradition of giving back to the community that touches the elderly, poor and disabled in Hawai`i. With the support and dedication of its membership, Local 745 has organized a number of charitable events, including the construction of temporary classrooms to alleviate overcrowding at Kapolei Elementary School, a wheelchair ramp at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa women's softball stadium, classroom space at the Bobby Benson Center in Kahuku, beautification and vandal proofing at the Hale Halawai Community Center in Kailua-Kona and interior storage space for Hawai`i's Special Olympics.

The Union has also been involved in non-construction service projects such as the Scouts 'n' Carpenters Carwash for needy students, sponsorship of driver safety programs, and public media campaigns that emphasize community issues, such as staying in school, the importance of voting and non-traditional career opportunities for women.

Community Leadership

Local 745 members throughout the state serve on neighborhood boards and other public commissions, as members of Hawai`i Air Civil Defense and the National Guard, the Jaycees, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Councils, the Police Athletic League, Little League, AYSO and Pop Warner, and school parent-teacher associations. Carpenters Union members participate in countless service projects within their own communities, including the Maui Jaycees Carnival, neighborhood graffiti busting and Christmas in April.

Political Advocacy

The Carpenters Union takes meaningful stands with developers and business groups on important issues affecting the economy and the future job outlook for Hawai`i residents. Union members regularly testify at the City and County level, the State Legislature and other boards and meetings, and conduct rallies for jobs and workers' rights.