This 60year Honolulu employee isn't looking to retire anytime soon
Dec 21, 2024
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Sixty is a milestone that some people consider retirement but after 60 years one City and County of Honolulu worker isn't interested in hanging it up. Not just 60 years old, we're talking 60 years of working for the City.
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After graduating from Farrington High School Class of 1962, Howard Okamura began working fo the City and County of Honolulu in 1964.
"That time in the 60's the pay was only about 100 something or 200 something, and then I saw in the newspaper, 'Oh I majored in accounting' and this was only a clerk typist. '$287.50, oh!'" said Okamura. "I was thinking 'I'm rich now I got something big!' At that time, $287 was big money."
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The money, jobs and clothes have changed. Before, Okamura used to come in dress pants. Now he wears jeans and an Aloha shirt.
He began as a clerk before moving to weigh vehicles. His favorite memory was getting to weigh and take a Corvette for a ride in the 1960s.
"I couldn't believe it I was driving a Corvette around the block."
He's worked under eight different mayors, starting with Neal Blaisdell.
Another favorite memory happened recently. Current Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi honored him and the staff with an anniversary lunch.
"That was a surprise! I didn't know they were going to do that for me I was on vacation and since I wasn't at work they were all buzzing and doing whatever they wanted to do," Okamura added.
After the party, Howard was back to his comfort zone at work with a license plate celebration his co-workers made for him.
"In this office, there's always work. No such thing as no work."
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Howard said he feels it in his back a little bit, but for now, there are no plans for retirement.
"I'll just do my work and when I feel like I can't do it anymore I'll retire."