companies and ILWU employers to provide support to the people of Maui. On the island of Oahu, Local 142 members from Island Movers transported goods from around the island to the Port of Honolulu where Hawaii Longshore Division members loaded containers with relief supplies for delivery to Maui. When containers arrived in Maui, Local 142 members from Tri-Isle Inc. trucking ensured the safe delivery of essential items to the residents impacted by the fire. The union worked with Kaiser Permanente and other healthcare partners to set up mobile, free, walk-in clinics and first aid stations in West Maui so people could access healthcare and fill prescriptions. They also set up a Maui Fire Relief Fund through the
have continued to play a major role in relief and recovery efforts, securing permanent housing for ILWU members, and fighting for a just and equitable rebuilding of Lahaina. Local 142 President Chris West received the award. He said he was accepting the award on behalf of the Local 142 members impacted by the fires “We’re here to recognize the grit of the 2,800 ILWU members that were victims of the fire in Lahaina just over a year ago,” West said. “Much was lost during the fire, but much was gained as well, and the members of Local 142 displayed resilience and fortitude. We are very proud tobe here tonight to accept this award–not for us, because
Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division received a special recognition award at the 55th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards in New York on October 25 for their exceptional response to the catastrophic wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, in August 2023. The AOTOS awards are presented annually to maritime industry figures for exceptional careers and achievements. The United Seamen’s Service (USS) sponsors the event. Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas. Local 142 was one of the first organizations on the ground in West Maui after the fires. They began
organizing relief efforts before federal and state agencies could respond. The wildfires created unprecedented challenges for the island of Maui and the Lahaina community. Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division established a response team that organized the shipment of containers from all over the world filled with essential items such as non-perishable goods, water, clothing, power generators, baby formula, and diapers. They held support meetings for members and the community, heard members’ stories and connected them to services and pro-bono legal support, which helped members navigate the process of filing insurance and FEMA claims. The leadership of Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division worked collaboratively with shipping
a Maui Fire Relief Fund through the ILWU Credit Union, which continues to assist members today. While the story of the wildfires has dropped from the headlines, Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division
doing what we did, taking care of the members, that’s what we’re elected to do, and that’s what we do every single day–but to accept this award on behalf of the Local 142 membership.”
ILWU members select new leadership team: Olvera, Whitman, Wolff, and Ferris
A new leadership team led by International President Bobby Olvera, Jr., Vice President (Mainland) Ryan Whitman, Vice President (Hawaii) Brandon Wolff, and returning Secretary-Treasurer
Ed Ferris–was sworn in by outgoing International President Willie Adams at the ILWU’s International Executive Board meeting in San Francisco on October 29. Bobby Olvera, Jr. becomes the ILWU’s 8th International President. Ed Ferris was elected to his third term as Secretary-Treasurer. Pres. Olvera thanked Adams for his steady leadership, for steering the union through a difficult six years, and for “clearing the deck” so the incoming administration would have the opportunity to grow and strengthen the union in the next three years.
Election results Detailed voting results appear on pages 4 and 5 of this issue [Dis patcher]. Executive Board certifies results The International Balloting Committee met in San Francisco on October 4 to examine and count the ballots. On October 29 the Internation al Executive Board met in San Francisco where they reviewed both the Balloting and Election Procedures Committee reports and following a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept both reports and certify the election results. Following
the certification, the Titled Officers, Coast Committeemen, and Executive Board members were sworn in. Recognition for Adams After taking their oath of office, the new officers were joined by guests in the courtyard of the International Offices where a bronze plaque was unveiled naming the courtyard in honor of President Emeritus Willie Adams. Adams thanked the new officers for the recognition. “Twenty-one years went by so fast. I never would have thought I would receive an honor like this and it means a lot to me,” he said.