Quiet, but effective. Most who knew Michael Murata would note his unassuming nature and strong work ethic.

The ILWU is deeply grateful to Michael and his ‘ohana for their contributions and sacrifices over 20 years of service to the union. His work to create the foundation of the Contract Administration Department serves as his legacy. Local 142 continues to benefit from his groundwork. We will miss his wisdom, dedication and gentle nature. Rest in Aloha.

Island Roots and Achieving Greatness 
Michael Masao Murata was born in Kauai and spent some of his childhood in Japan. During his family’s time there, he attended Japanese school before the family moved back to Hawaii.

Michael graduated from Maui High School and Yale University, graduating cum laude at the latter.

Global Adventures After graduating from Yale, Michael traveled to Nepal where he worked for the Peace Corps. His taste for adventure led him to experience so many beautiful parts of the world and lent him a worldly perspective that undoubtedly helped him when he returned from his travels to finish his JD degree at New York University in 1990.

Career with the ILWU 
Before joining the ILWU, Michael worked for various law firms in Hawaii that built his knowledge in a broad range of contract and transactional matters. 

He was hired as the Contract/ Safety & Health Administrator on June 1, 1998.

A photo of Michael taken at the 2017 ILWU Christmas party, an event he often attended with his wife and children.

At far right is Michael in an Oahu Division Steward Training class. He taught this class across all divisions. These trainings were offered every year and every class benefited from his unique perspective and experience in Contract Administration.

The Contract Administration program is what it is today because of Michael. His grievance tracking system helped the work of the union run smoothly and efficiently.

In addition, Michael also taught new steward training classes in all the divisions. The number of members he taught is in the hundreds.

Honored at Trinity by the Sea Church 
Michael’s passing at his home on February 16, 2019 came as a shock to many. His funeral service on March 17, 2019 counted many ILWU-affiliated guests in attendance from all divisions.

President Donna Domingo spoke at the service among other speeches from Michael’s family and prominent commuity members such as Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, former Senator Brian Kanno, and people who were blessed to know him from many different walks of life.

The touching remembrances offered to the congregation were a testament to his character and his impact within the union.

Many left inspired by his devotion to his family (wife Mieko and children Maya and Makoto) and commitment and loyalty to the ILWU.

We cannot thank you enough, Michael, for giving us 20 years of service and contributing so vitally to the strength and effectiveness of Local 142. You will be missed.

Times are always changing, but Michael’s commitment to showing up for union values remained a constant. He is pictured at left marching over ten years ago in a campaign to support Pacific Beach Hotel in their struggle with management. At middle and right are more recent pictures from 2017 at Workers’ Day in May.