Honoring the Legacy of Business Manager Valentino B. Ceria
After nearly five decades of dedicated service to the Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 675, Business Manager Val Ceria is retiring, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, integrity, and commitment to the labor movement.
Val's journey began in the Philippines, where he was born before moving to the island of Lanai at the age of seven, not yet speaking a word of English. Soon after, his family relocated to Oahu, where he grew up in Kalihi and attended and graduated from Farrington High School. It was there that he discovered his passion for welding, a skill that would define his career. In 1979, Val earned his Associate's Degree in Welding from Honolulu Community College. That same year, he was recruited and initiated as a Pipefitter Welder in the Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 675, recruited by the late Business Manager Herbert Kaopua, Sr., who left him with a challenge that would continue to guide him: "What will your legacy be? Go out there and make a name for yourself."
Over the next 46 years, Val took that advice to heart. He worked for various contractors in the field, while also serving as a Welding Instructor for Local 675 Apprenticeship & Training at Honolulu Community College from 1991 to 2005. His leadership within Local 675 began in earnest in 1997, when he was elected as a Union Officer, serving in roles including Recording Secretary, Vice President, and President. In 2006, he became a Business Agent, a position he held until he was elected as Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer in 2019.
Val's service extended far beyond his titles. He has represented Local 675 on numerous boards and committees, including serving as Labor Trustee, Co-Chairman, and Chairman of the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Board of Trustees; President and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Federal Credit Union; and Trustee/Board Member of the Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO since 2007. He also served as Secretary and Chairman of the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, as a member of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Hawaii Chapter, and as a Hawaii State AFL-CIO Executive Board member and Vice President since 2019.
From 2009 to 2018, Val was a UA-certified welding inspector, and since 2021, he has contributed to the United Association Credential Committee. He has also served on the Labor Education Advisory Council (LEAC) with the University of Hawaii System since 2019.
In November 2019, Local 675 celebrated its 100th anniversary, a centennial milestone that coincided with Val's first year as Business Manager/Financial Secretary Treasurer. The significance of the occasion was twofold: not only did it honor a century of progress, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter of leadership under Val's direction. As host of the historic evening, Val represented the Union with distinction, welcoming UA General President Mark McManus—who served as honorary Chairman—along with UA representatives, state leaders, and city officials. The celebration remains a defining moment in Local 675's history, linking its proud past to a future shaped by new leadership.
As Business Manager, Val has led us through some of our most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He kept members informed, ensured PPE was distributed, and even donated masks to workers at the Hawai'i Food Bank. Val guided us through the slowdown in construction and helped lead us toward brighter days. He also showed great adaptability, advocating for the first-ever mail-in ballot voting—a change that gave all members, especially those on the neighbor islands, the opportunity to have their voices heard.
A Hui Hou, Val
Wishing you a Happy Retirement!
When the tragic Lahaina wildfires struck, Val was instrumental in creating the Plumbers & Fitters Local 675 Maui Fire Special Fund to raise funds for members and families who were affected. Val also volunteered his time, by personally flying up to Maui to assist in gathering and dispersing of donations collected. Together with other Building Trades leaders, Val helped to organize the Labor Unity Maui Relief event in place of the annual Labor Day Unity Picnic, focusing all efforts on the wildfire relief.
Most recently, Val played an invaluable role in deciding to purchase the new Union Building located in Aiea that will be the new headquarters for Training, the Union Office, and the Trust Fund Office. The inaugural groundbreaking ceremony, which took place this past May 2025, was a milestone in Local 675 history.
Throughout his career, Val has been guided by the belief that hard work speaks for itself, and that honesty is the foundation of leadership. His dedication has helped strengthen the Union, advance the apprenticeship programs, and protect the rights of our members.
As he enters retirement, Val leaves behind a legacy not only of professional achievement but also of personal integrity and mentorship. He has inspired generations of members to take pride in their craft, and to lead with humility and purpose. He has set a strong foundation for the Union in which generations to come will benefit.
From all of us at Local 675 - Mahalo, Val, for your 46 years of service, leadership, and friendship. Your name and your legacy will forever be part of Local 675's story.
