A Community United: A New Flagpole for the One Puka Puka

The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) recently experienced an extraordinary act of kindness and community support that continues to warm our hearts. What began as an urgent and costly challenge became a beautiful example of Aloha (love and compassion) and Kōkua (help and cooperation).

In December 2025, Club 100 faced the daunting task of removing a rusting flagpole that had stood for more than 70 years. Due to corrosion, the pole had become compromised and posed a danger of falling.

Thanks to the support of the Trustees of the Hawaii Laborers’ Apprenticeship and Training Fund - Local#368 and Director of Training Peter Lee, his team of instructor journeymen and apprentices stepped forward immediately, volunteering their time and services. They told us it was their honor to do this work in memory of the 100th Infantry Battalion.

Removal of the flagpole in December 2025. [Photos courtesy Kathi Hayashi]

On December 6, 2025, it was inspiring to watch these young men take on the challenging task of safely removing the 30-foot pole, including excavating the 4.5 feet embedded in concrete and asphalt. Their teamwork reminded us of the soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion. They shared the workload, huddled together to solve problems, never complained, and never gave up. When challenges arose, they found creative, out-of-the-box solutions. They arrived as strangers and left as extended family.

During lunch, they listened attentively as Club 100 President Kathi Hayashi shared the legacy of the “One Puka Puka,” and they expressed a genuine interest in wanting to learn more about the battalion. We are also grateful to Green Thumb Landscaping, Inc. for providing the construction crane needed to complete the removal.

Scenes from the flagpole removal work on December 6, 2025. [Photos courtesy Kathi Hayashi]

The journey continued in September 2026, when work was completed by Hawaii Laborers' Apprenticeship & Training (HLAT) instructors (Lawrence Sanchez, Anthony Ongoy, Steven Hoke, and David Matthews) to pour a new concrete flagpole base. The cement was donated by Island Ready-Mix. Thank you to Peter & Narsi Ganaban (Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 368), Keoki Fo (Island Ready-Mix), and Kevin Holu (Teamsters Local 996) for their support with this project. This important step brought Club 100 closer to restoring the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building (Clubhouse) flagpole.

Then on October 20, 2026, Club 100 celebrated the dedication of the new flagpole and the raising of the American flag above the Clubhouse. The ceremony began with a blessing under a light mist, which soon dissipated, allowing the dedication to proceed. As the American flag rose to the melody of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” we were reminded of the enduring values that unite us: love, service, sacrifice, and a commitment to helping one another. Members of Local 368 and its Apprenticeship and Training group, Local 996, and other supporters join dedication presenters Colonel (Ret.) Edward Cruickshank (Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart), Peter Ganaban (Business Manager, Local 368), and Kathi Hayashi (Club 100 President) for a photo in front of the new flagpole following the raising of the American flag.

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  Flagpole Dedication on October 20, 2026 at the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building (Clubhouse

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  Flagpole Dedication on October 20, 2026 at the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building (Clubhouse

Flagpole Dedication on October 20, 2026 at the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building (Clubhouse). [Left Photo] David Kawika Matthews, Steve Hoke, Lawrence Sanchez and Peter Lee of the Hawai`i Laborers Apprentice and Training Fund join Avin Oshiro and Kathi Hayashi of Club 100 at the dedication of the new flagpole. (Photo courtesy Kathi Hayashi) [Right Photo] Members of Local 368 and its Apprenticeship and Training group, Local 996, and other supporters join dedication presenters Colonel (Ret.) Edward Cruickshank (Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart), Peter Ganaban (Business Manager, Local 368), and Kathi Hayashi (Club 100 President) for a photo in front of the new flagpole following the raising of the American flag. [Photo courtesy Clayton Kamiya]

The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) wanted this occasion to be symbolic of the meaning of Aloha — goodness and love, and Kōkua — helping each other. The American flag flying high over the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building is thanks to the generous donation of the community coming together to honor the soldiers of the “One Puka Puka."

The removal of the 70 year old compromised with a rusting base and the work to set a new concrete base is thanks to Hawaii Laborers’ Apprenticeship & Training Fund with the support of Hawaii Laborers' Union (LiUNA) Local 368, Green Thumb Landscaping Inc., Hawaii Teamsters Union Local 996, Island Ready-Mix, and ʻIolani School.

Mahalo to Hawaii News Now for this coverage on the flagpole replacement and dedication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeDzxJ8T2L8

Video Courtesy: Hawaii News Now (https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/10/21/american-flag-flies-proudly-again-over-oahu-veterans-clubhouse/)

Club 100 is forever grateful for the generosity, Aloha and Kōkua shown by our community to help turn a difficult challenge into a lasting tribute to the men of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Through the collective efforts of our partners, we continue to honor the sacrifices of the Hawaiʻi-born 100th Infantry Battalion, whose soldiers fought during World War II for our freedom and equal rights for all Americans.