We are sorry to report that retired Ninth District International Representative Walters Kalahiki Eli, 92, died on February 22 in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

A veteran of the National Guard, Brother Eli, a utility worker, was initiated into Honolulu Local 1260 in 1944. He was appointed to the International staff to assist organizing and negotiations in 1950 after serving as business manager. He retired in 1975.

During his long tenure, Eli was a major leader of the labor movement in Hawaii, serving as president of the Honolulu AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, as secretary-treasurer of the Metal Trades Council and organizing director of the Building and Construction Trades Department.

Honolulu Local 1260 Business Manager Brian Ahakuelo says Eli was a visionary labor leader who helped re-charter Honolulu Local 1357 in 1970 to represent telecommunications workers across all Hawaii islands.

The first IBEW International Representative born in Hawaii, Eli established a reputation for working well with the Operating Engineers and other building trades unions, says Ahakuelo.

On behalf of the members, officers and staff, we send our condolences to Brother Eli's wife, Rosalie, and his children, stepchildren, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.