Leslie & Claire Isemoto

MEDIA RELEASE

Leslie Isemoto, president and chief operating officer of Isemoto Contracting Company (Isemoto Contracting), has been named the 2015 Outstanding Union Builder of the Year by the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters.

Isemoto was honored at a reception hosted by Pacific Resource Partnership.

The award is given annually to a contractor who has made exceptional contributions to the construction industry and the community, taken a cooperative approach to labor-management relations and demonstrated strong support of union construction.

“Isemoto Contracting Company was built on family values and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, workplace safety and innovation. Les continues to build on his family’s legacy, leading a company that is regarded as a leader in civil construction, commercial and retail development and the construction of advanced scientific research installations,” noted Ron Taketa, executive secretary-treasurer of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters.

Isemoto is the third generation to lead the 88-year-old family business based on the Big Island.

He began his career in 1972 as a laborer-carpenter summer hire before graduating from high school the following year.

After attending the University of Hawaii’s business management program and working for several years on Oahu, Isemoto returned to the Big Island and rejoined his family’s company.

In the mid-1990s, he worked as a project manager on Kauai until he was named president and chief operating officer in 1997.

“My family and I are honored to receive this award,” Isemoto said. “We’ve worked hard over the years to build a business that we can all be proud of – one that provides opportunities for our employees and supports the community.”

Isemoto Contracting has built many of the Big Island’s largest projects, including facilities at University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo International Airport, Wailuku Bridge and Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

The company’s portfolio also includes major commercial, retail, resort and residential projects from North Kohala to South Point.

Isemoto Contracting is also one of the few local builders qualified to construct advanced scientific research installations such as the Gemini North telescope and the Subaru Deep Space telescope, which are located atop Mauna Kea.

“Les Isemoto and his company have proven over the years that Hawaii has the talent, skill and resources to compete with world-class, off-shore firms,” said John White, executive director of PRP. “They represent the best of Hawaii’s construction industry and have been a supporter of unionized construction for over 50 years. Les is a most worthy recipient of the Outstanding Union Builder of the Year award.”

Pacific Resource Partnership is a not-for-profit organization that represents the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state, and more than 240 of Hawaii’s top contractors.

Through this unique partnership, PRP has become an influential voice for responsible construction and an advocate for creating a stronger, more sustainable Hawaii in a way that promotes a vibrant economy, creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

— Find out more:
www.prp-hawaii.com