the union, on the International level, calling for continued support.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Hirono faces a tough upcoming election against former Governor, Linda Lingle. Lingle is trying to disguise herself as a moderate Republican, in this election. It is imperative that the ILWU Local 142 support Mazie Hirono in defeating Lingle for the good of the working families of Hawaii. Mazie spoke on the dangers of Hawaii electing and sending a Republican to D.C. It could mean that Senior Senator Inouye loses his seat as Committee Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Videos from Inouye, Senator Akaka and President Obama followed Mazie’s address. Each candidate shared how critical this election is in continuing the efforts of putting more working class families back to work and continuing to clean up the economic crisis left by the Republicans.
State Supreme Court Justice Edward Nakamura and the ILWU
Tom Coffman spoke on his latest book, “I Respectfully Dissent: The Biography of Edward H. Nakamura.” Nakamura played a silent, but central role of helping the ILWU Local 142 make its political gains, creating some of the most progressive programs of legislation in the state including: universal health care, temporary disability insurance, collective bargaining rights—all that has forever changed the Hawaii worker’s landscape. It is encouraged that all members read this part of ILWU Local 142 history.
On the third day of the Convention, 2nd Congressional District Candidate, Tulsi Gabbard, joined the line-up of guest speakers. Former Councilwoman Gabbard, spoke on the reality of the word—and spirit—of “Aloha.” She shared stories of combat and out in the field. She shared these moments to illustrate how her roots saved her in time of war. She laid out her goals and how she envisions representing Hawaii in D.C. Given a longstanding relationship; the ILWU Local 142 had endorsed Mufi Hanneman in the Primary Election. The Political Action Committee was impressed with how Gabbard carried her campaign and proved to share the same values of the Union. Gabbard sought the endorsement of the Union, following the Primary. The PAC welcomed the endorsement for Gabbard on behalf of the Union.
Honolulu Mayoral Candidate, Kirk Caldwell, speaks to the Convention about his goals in improving the City. Caldwell recognized with gratitude the amount of support he’s received from the ILWU and a majority of labor unions in Hawaii, as well as private businesses. He shared his hopes in extending a ‘thank you’ by working together, if he is the next Honolulu Mayor.
Big Island Mayor, Billy Kenoi, gave a very memorable and entertaining speech. The entire energy of the Convention resounded with Mayor Kenoi’s words. He spoke of the importance of creating a Hawaii that carried the traditions and pride of how children are raised on the islands. He stressed that when our children lose hope, Hawaii will be in grave danger. Mayor Kenoi’s way of delivering important issues all of Hawaii faces, and the importance that the membership get involved and take political action was inspiring – and was greeted with a standing ovation.
International officers attend Local 142 convention
ILWU International SecretaryTreasurer, Willie Adams, and ILWU International Vice President (Mainland), Ray Familathe, delivered speeches to the Convention. Adams thanked Maui Division Director, William Kennison, for all the years and hard work he gave to the Union. Kennison will be retiring at the end of this year. Familathe shared with the members the continued struggle of the ILA negotiations and the recent Maritime Labor Alliance that was created. Under one roof, the alliance brings the ILA, ILWU, several smaller shipboard unions and the global International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). ILA President, Harold Dagget, had spoken to the ILWU International Convention back in June. He shared with the Convention the struggles he would be facing in the ILA’s upcoming negotiations. He called for unity—a unity that would last past the ILA’s negotiations and the ILWU’s 2014 negotiations. Currently, Dagget and the ILA are negotiating a new contract but has faced stalls and the threat of a strike. The threat of automation in waterfront cargo handling eliminating waterfront jobs around the world calls for unions to stand together and create a stronger unified response to the employers.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono explained the high stakes in U.S. Senatorial races this year. Democrats only have a 53 to 47 majority in the Senate, and if Republicans gain just four seats, they will take control of the body. Hawaii senior Senator Daniel K. Inouye could lose chairmanship of the key Appropriations Committee, and the Republican Party would be able set the agenda for the Senate as well as the House of Representatives.
All Japan Dockworkers’ Union (Zenkowan)
The final day of the 26th ILWU Local 142 Convention started with a very special guest to the union. All-Japan Dockworkers (Zenkowan) President Akinobu Itoh expressed his gratitude from all the Zenkowan members for the ILWU sending support and contributions in a great time of need, the earthquake and tsunami that devastated 300 miles of Japan’s coastline, including 13 ports and 1,848 members. As an expression of gratitude, Zenkowan sent members to Hawaii this past February to participate in a protest out front of Pacific Beach Hotel. Zenkowan will continue to support the boycott of the Waikiki hotel and has been inspired to start a movement in Japan to pressure hotel companies to fulfill their social responsibilities.
International Vice President (Hawaii) Wesley Furtado concluded the speakers to the Convention. Furtado has a long history of working in organizing, prior to taking his International VP seat. He spoke of the need for the organizing to be strengthened. The work of organizing is never finished. With strategy and strength, the organizing efforts of the union will continue to grow.
Officers nominated
On September 21, the last day of the Convention, delegates nominated candidates for the union’s titled Local officers and Local Executive Board Industrial Grouping Representatives: Sugar, Longshore, Pineapple, General Trades and Tourism.
The ILWU Local 142’s Acting President, Donna Domingo, and Maui Division rank-and-file member, Sheldon Biga, were both nominated to represent the membership as ILWU Local 142 President.
The nominations for Vice President presented a surprise to the Convention. Maui Division Business Agent, Teddy Espeleta, was first nominated for the Vice President seat. Hawaii Division Acting Division Director, Wally Ishibashi, was then nominated. Maui Division Grand Wailea Unit Chair, Jason Medeiros, was nominated as a third candidate for the Vice Presidency seat. According to the Constitution, if more than two candidates are nominated at the Convention, a Primary Election is held on the floor of the Convention. Both Ishibashi and Espeleta withdrew from their respective seats as DD and BA and accepted their nomination to serve as ILWU Local 142 Vice President. When it came time for Medeiros to accept