Hawaii pineapple plantation workers in the ’30s.
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Honoring Hawaii’s “plantation legacy” will be the theme of the Filipino Community Center’s 13th Bayanihan Gala fundraiser in October, and its honorees—representing both plantation workers and owners–are closely linked with the state’s economic history.
With the theme “Honoring Our Plantation Legacy,” the event is anchored on the Filipino value of honoring the past and the memory of ancestors who left the Philippines to labor in Hawaii’s plantations, seeking a better life for their families.
October is traditionally celebrated throughout the United States as Filipino American Heritage month, and the FilCom Center gala is among many events on local community calendars.
The honorary chairs for event are U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Filipino philanthropist Maria A.F. Etrata.
The 13th annual Bayanihan Gala fundraiser will be on Saturday, October 31, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, starting with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. with the program commencing promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Striking plantation workers.
“It is appropriate for us to celebrate our plantation heritage. After all, the Center stands on land donated by Amfac, we are located next to the old Waipahu sugar mill smokestack, and we continue to be proud of the contributions of our sakadas, the plantation workers who paved the way for many to immigrate to Hawai`i,” stated Edmund Aczon, chair of the center’s board of directors.
This year’s honorees are:
ILWU Local 142 – The International Longshoremen and Warehouseman’s Union changed the labor movement in Hawaii, and in a way, changed the course of Hawaii’s history. Today, it counts nearly 18,000 members in every major industry including general trades, longshore, tourism and agriculture.
Hawaii Sugar Planters Association (now HARC) – HSPA was the trade association for the sugar industry in Hawaii, which promoted its development, conducted scientific and economic studies and gathered accurate information on the industry. It now operates as Hawaii Agriculture Research Center or HARC.
Alexander and Baldwin – The only remaining operation among the Big Five companies that ran Hawaii’s sugar plantations, Alexander and Baldwin has been in existence for more than 145 years. Although it has diversified its business model, A&B’s roots in the community remained deep.
William Balfour – William “Bill” Balfour spent four decades in the sugar industry, primarily as President and Manager for Pioneer Mill Company, Oahu Sugar Company, Lihue Plantation Company and McBryde Sugar Company. Today, he continues to work actively as a consultant on a number of initiatives and still spends time volunteering on boards and other non-profits.
William Paty – As president of Waialua Sugar Company, William “Bill” Paty retired in 1984 after almost 40 years as a plantation manager. He went on to serve in government (notably as chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources) and has a strong legacy as an active community volunteer.
In addition to the fundraiser gala, the center will also be hosting two other events related to the plantation theme: a business forum and an exhibit of plantation memorabilia. Further details on these events will be announced shortly.
Event Chair Bennette Misalucha noted that the center has evolved into more than just a gathering place. “The Center stands as a symbol of our connection to simpler times, when the values of aloha bounded the cultures and created a tightly-knitted fabric that is Our Community. Yet, the Center also represents a vision of hope for the next generations, whose future is secured because of the sacrifices that have been made by our ancestors,” Misalucha said.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on ticket sales, visit filcom.org or call Arceli Rebollido at the FilCom Center office at (808) 680-0451.
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