Herbert S. K. Kaopua, Sr.Remembered
By Kika Bukoski
The Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 ‘ohana recently learned of the passing of one of its transformative and visionary leaders beloved and respected by many, Herbert S.K. “Chubby” Kaopua, Sr.
The son of long-time Local 675 leader Isaac “Ike” Kaopua, Chubby worked his way through the ranks to become the Union’s third and second longest tenured leader in its nearly fifty years of the existence at the time. “A young, up-and-coming guy who could learn the ropes.” Legendary leader and pioneer of Local 675 , Ed Kovack mentioned to Isaac “Ike” Kaopua, Sr., that he had his eye on a potential new leader.
After 17 years in the field, Chubby began his journey serving on the Union staff as a Business Field Representative, absorbing everything he could. Chubby became an Executive Board member in 1981 and assumed the position of Local 675’s new Vice President. In 1985 he became Assistant Business Manager under the mentorship of Ed Hashimoto.
Chubby directed key Local 675 investment decisions during the late 1980’s and early 90’s. One such decision was the purchase of the Bethel Street building in which the Union Office is currently situated, now called the Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 Building. He was also able to finalize Ed Hashimoto’s vision of an established Federal Credit Union to provide for the financial needs of the union members.
In 1990, Ed Hashimoto officially retired and Chubby, assumed the position of Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 675 until his official election in 1992.
Committed to promoting the welfare and stability of the industry, Chubby was widely recognized as a leader among union leaders. His deep involvement with union and community organizations was demonstrated by the expanding role Local 675 played in shaping Hawaii’s community. Chubby was instrumental in leading the Union to a strategic position for managing dynamic change. He formulated a master plan designed to successfully move Local 675 into the next century. One big step was establishing strong staff support by utilization of specialists in key areas – legal, legislative lobbying, government affairs, and marketing.
One such example was the participation and investment in the 5,500 unit Soda Creek development in Ewa through the Hawaii Development Foundation (HDF). Chubby was a driving force in creating HDF, which pooled labor and management resources as a means of securing union jobs for union members.
Some of the positions Chubby served in during his tenure include: President of the Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, Co-Chair of the Hawaii Construction Industry Association (HCIA), President of the Plumbers & Fitters Federal Credit Union, Hawaii State Apprenticeship Advisory Board Member appointed by Governor Waihee, Chairman of the Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, Educational & Charitable Foundation, later to be called the Hawaii Union Builders (HUB) Foundation, Chairman of the International Association of Plumbers and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Hawaii Chapter, Board Member of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.
A longtime friend and retired member of Local 460 out of Bakersfield, California, Daniel “Danny” Nunez reminisced how his close friendship of nearly fifty years with Chubby endured throughout the years. Nunez recalls fond memories of meeting Chubby for the first time in 1974 when he first arrived in Hawai`i as a traveler, and how Chubby took him in as family and taught him what the true meaning of “Aloha” was. The last time Nunez spoke to Chubby was on December 12th of this year, Chubby’s birthday...
This friendship that grew out of “Aloha” exemplifies who Chubby was and the example he set for the Local 675 family he nurtured and cared for deeply. Whether near or far, we are all one ‘ohana. Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes out to the Kaopua `ohana. Chubby will surely be missed.