The Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor Community Services Program announces the completion of the 2025 Labor of Love: Union Workforce Development project at Pahoa High and Intermediate School.
This annual, service-based learning initiative connects union professionals with state Department of Education schools to offer campus improvements and meaningful career exploration opportunities for students and educators.
With many Pahoa students preparing to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, Labor of Love offers them hands-on learning alongside skilled tradespeople.
This year’s improvements at the Pahoa school have been completed through the combined efforts of students and union volunteers, and include:
— Installation of walkway pavers and concrete slabs;
— New picnic tables and benches to expand outdoor student seating;
— Water fountains and bottle-filling station;
— Parking lot striping and painting throughout the campus;
— Students participating in shadowing filming professionals,
These enhancements improve the school’s physical environment and serve as a living classroom for students.
The project’s success has been made possible thanks to the generous support of unions and local businesses, which donated time, expertise and materials.
The total estimated value of contributions to PHIS is $55,000.
“The Labor of Love has been an extraordinary opportunity for the students of Pahoa High and Intermediate School to work alongside and learn from an amazing group of workers, helping our students to realize that there are great opportunities for training and work right here in our home,” Principal Kim Williamson said in a press release.
“We are truly grateful for the help, expertise and materials that the unions and businesses have graciously provided to our school and it has been an honor to work with the unions and businesses and to build lasting partnerships for our students and community.”
