949 Bathrooms — Last year, we finally managed to get the sewers reconnected to the main building. Getting the 949 bathrooms back online has been a slow process, mainly due to lack of funds.
However, after recouping a little over $40,000 from a security system purchase that was never installed and a recent settlement with POSEC, the developer of the 909 project, that netted $115,000, we will do a modest remodel of the 949 bathrooms.
Building Cleanup — Now that some of the offices are being restored, we are turning our attention to the practice studios and common areas of the building.
Earlier this summer, members Ken Hafner and Stanton Haugen tackled the heavy trellis in our main courtyard. Over the years, it had become infested with carpenter bees and was beginning to show signs of becoming unstable. Given the risk of injury, should any part of the 4 x 12 redwood beams fall on someone, the board opted to pay to have that removed. The cost would’ve been close to $3,500. Mahalo to Ken and Stanton who donated their time, talents, and efforts to solving this problem!
Mahalo also to new member John LeBlanc, who has spearheaded efforts to spruce up the building. John is a local guitarist with a real passion for making things better for local musicians. He recently put ceiling tiles into Studio 6 and has already made plans for new paint and flooring. He is also very tech-savvy and has agreed to help with sprucing up our website and social media presence.
If any members are interested in helping with this or any other building clean up projects, please sign up on our website or call the office to let us know.
From the Winter 2016 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele
In this issue:
President’s Message: “Collective bargaining is the lifeblood of our organization. It works when musicians stand together to make their voices heard.” —Steve Pearson
Member Spotlight: George Kuo, Hawaiian slack key guitar master: “The sounds of the traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar touch my senses and invigorate me like no other music or activity — it’s such an overwhelming, good feeling.”
2016 Election Results: The results of the Aug. 22, 2016 Local 677 elections are here!
Building Update: 949 Restrooms & Building Cleanup — Renovations are a dirty business, but union musicians are up to the challenge. A select few gave parts of the union headquarters some much-needed love.
Of Note:
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Youth Symphony 1 on NPR — If you think the union members are uber-talented, just look what some of their kids are doing.
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Mike Lewis Big Band featured at the Blue Note — This budding jazz big band made history at the Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki recently, in more ways than musical.