The ILWU Local 142 welcomes Palani J. Simon as the Regional Director of the Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific. Simon stepped into the role one year ago after former Regional Director, Michael Anderson Jr., finished his term. 

Simon was born and raised on Oʻahu. He graduated from St. Louis High School in ʻ93. “I’ve always loved the water,” Simon told the Voice. “My dad was a commercial fisherman. I would go out with him on the boat. And the first time I saw a tug and barge, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” Just as it is now, there were no schools in Hawaiʻi to become licensed to work on the tubboats. So Simon attended Leeward Community College’s Waiʻanae Maritime Academy, founded by Captain Paul Kaipō Pōmaikaʻi. The academy provided entry level certification for local youth to work in the maritime industry as seamen, seawomen, engineers, and other posts. Simon’s certification allowed him to work as a deckhand for three years at P&R Water Taxi in Honolulu Harbor. He then entered the Pacific Maritime Academy in Seattle. He graduated in 2010 and has been a seaman for Sarse Brothers since 2008. 

When asked what’s in store as Regional Director of the IBU, Simon shared his first important goal, “I want to meet and shake hands with all 300 of our members. I want to make sure I know our members and they know me.” Simon’s philosophy as a union leader is about members feeling connected to the union through engagement and strong representation. “We are all stewards of the contract. I want each and every member to feel well represented. Right now, I’m focusing on representing them the best I can. But I also want to encourage the members to enforce the contract themselves.” When asked how he plans to do that, Simon shared a vision centering on contract education, increasing steward trainings, and making sure the JLRC committees are motivated to solve issues. 

Simon’s interests as a maritime union leader extend beyond the current rank-n-file and to the next generation of mariners. Prior to the Voice’s interview, he spent the morning interviewing high school graduates from Kohala High School as part of their application process for the Tongue Point Seamanship Training program. He does regular outreach to high school Juniors and Seniors across the islands. 

“These are all ocean-loving kids, and we come from a seafaring culture. Now IF they can go to school and prove their competency and dedication, they become ideal candidates for the maritime company. So I’m looking forward to helping get the message out to our kids that this is an option for them.” 

We wish brother Palani the very best as the Hawaiʻi Regional Director. He can be contacted at palani@ibu.org.