Local 142 Advocacy Spans Issues and Industries

The 2026 legislative session was one of the most demanding and fast-paced in recent memory for ILWU Local 142. Across our diverse trades and industries, our members faced a wave of legislation with significant implications for jobs, workplace protections, and local industries.

This session required constant movement between offense and defense, advancing legislation that protected working families while aggressively opposing measures that threatened our members’ livelihoods. Throughout it all, Local 142 remained actively engaged at every stage of the legislative process.

Key Leadership Appointments

We were proud to see two important leadership positions filled by individuals with strong ties to working people and organized labor.

Former ILWU Local 142 labor attorney Vladimir Devens was appointed and confirmed as Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, marking a historic milestone for both the judiciary and working families across the state.

Local 142 President Chris West was appointed to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors, ensuring that the voices of Hawai‘i’s hospitality workers are represented at the highest levels of tourism policy and management.

Protecting Our Agricultural Units

Our political relationships and active presence at the Capitol allowed us to stand strong for our agricultural members during two critical fights.

Kaua‘i Coffee: We successfully opposed efforts that could have opened major agricultural tracts to commercial redevelopment, protecting ongoing operations and preserving agricultural jobs for our members.

Dole Plantation: We also helped defeat legislation seeking to ban an EPA approved pesticide relied upon by Dole Pineapple for agricultural operations. Protecting operational stability helped safeguard local agricultural jobs.

Hospitality and the “Hotel Disruption” Fight

In the hotel industry, our “Hotel Disruption” bill, which would require hotels to notify incoming and current guests of impending or active strikes, advanced all the way to conference committee. Although the House and Senate ultimately failed to reach final agreement before adjournment, the effort itself sent a strong message throughout the industry. Employers have already begun reaching out directly to Local 142 leadership to address worker concerns and improve labor relations before disputes escalate.

Defending the Waterfront and Transportation Industries

We remained vigilant in protecting our industrial sectors and successfully pushed back against legislation that threatened our transportation industries.

Longshore: We actively opposed measures that raised serious concerns regarding workplace safety and waterfront operations.

Trucking : We also successfully blocked legislation that would have significantly restricted cargo movement, helping protect work opportunities and hours for members in the trucking industry.

Campaign Finance and Corporate Accountability

Although a separate bill addressing foreign-influenced business contributions ultimately stalled in conference, we successfully mobilized support for and helped secure passage of a landmark corporate accountability law, making Hawai‘i the first state in the nation to enact legislation of its kind.

The new law prohibits corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other corporate legal entities from making contributions or expending resources to influence political campaigns or ballot measures in Hawai‘i. Strengthened by significant administrative enforcement mechanisms, including the possibility of involuntary dissolution, the measure marks a major step toward increasing transparency, protecting the integrity of Hawai‘i’s elections, and reducing the influence of corporate money in the political process. Pono Politics The 2026 legislative session underscored both the growing challenges facing working people in Hawai‘i and the critical importance of maintaining a strong, politically engaged union presence. Throughout the session, ILWU Local 142 remained firmly committed to practicing “Pono Politics” — advocating with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering focus on the needs of working families. Whether defending jobs, protecting workplace safety, advancing worker rights, or supporting meaningful reforms that strengthen Hawai‘i’s communities, ILWU Local 142 remained actively engaged at every stage of the legislative process on behalf of its members and their families