Union Breaks Ground on New Headquarters

Monday, May 12th, marked a significant milestone in Local 675's history. Union leaders and community partners gathered for the inaugural Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new location of the Plumbers and Fitters Local 675 Union Building in Aiea.

Business Manager Val Ceria (Middle) and Business Agents proudly take part in the ceremonial start of this new chapter. (l-r) Sam Barrett Jr., Benji Panis, Val Ceria, Matt Brady, Sheung Man Wong.
Area view of Union-owned fee-simple property and existing building (to be renovated) located in Aiea.

Business Manager Val Ceria began with opening remarks, followed by PAMCAH Management Trustee Kent Matsuzaki. Both of whom expressed their optimism for the 2.5-acre property and what it means for our Union. The Union Office and Trust Fund Administration Office have been located in downtown Honolulu on Bethel Street for decades, with the Local 675 Training Facilities currently situated in Iwilei and Pearl City. The new location will bring together the Union Office, Trust Fund Administration Office, and a state-of-the-art Training Center under one roof, making it a “One-Stop-Shop” for Union members.

The Union acquired a fee simple property located on Moanalua Loop. Unlimited Construction was selected as the General Contractor for the project. The existing building on the property will be renovated for our Union Offices and Training Center. Renovations of the Training Center will be initiated first and is projected to be completed by mid- 2026.

Ceria and Matsuzaki expressed their enthusiasm about working alongside Project Manager Emberly Leonida and with Unlimited Construction on this important project. Additional speakers offered their insight and support for the project's long-term vision: Trust Fund Administrator Erinn Liu, Lead Training Coordinator Dean Kobashigawa, Project Manager Emberly Leonida, and Unlimited Construction President Jason Thon.

"What we're renovating here isn't just a facility, it's an investment in our future. It will be a place where we'll continue to train our apprentices and journeymen, strengthen our operations, and support our members."
— Business Manager Val Ceria

Kahu Shon Kihewa conducted the blessing and ceremony. He led the gathering in an opening prayer before the ceremonial turning of the soil. Union and management leaders each used an inscribed O'o stick, symbolizing the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Kahu Kihewa walked through the perimeter blessing the building site as attendees followed and observed.

(l-r) Gregg Serikaku- Management Trustee, Dean Kobashigawa - Head Training Coordinator, Erinn Liu - Trust Fund Administrator, Kent Matsuzaki - Co-Chair/Management Trustee, Val Ceria - Business Manager/Union Trustee, Emberly Leonida - Project Manager, Jason Thon - President of Unlimited Construction, Pono Paahao - JATC Representative.
The new state-of-the-art Training Center will be located at the new Union Building headquarters.

A significant component of this project is what it will offer for the future of Training. Bringing Training under one roof has been a critical vision. With the new building, all Training needs will be in one place. The upgraded facility will feature dedicated classrooms and trade-specific work areas that will accommodate all the trades - Plumbing, A/C and Refrigeration, Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Welding, ensuring our members have access to the highest-quality hands-on education and instruction all in one location.

The lease for the current Training location in Iwilei will expire in mid-2026. Training will be first to relocate to the new building in 2026. Once they are settled, the Union Office and Trust Fund Administration Office will follow.

Local 675 Union, Management, Trustees, and Community Partners gathered for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new Union building on May 12, 2025.
Published: Jul 20, 2025
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