On December 6, the ILWU International Executive Board voted unanimously to adopt a statement of policy opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The controversial project is opposed by Native Americans across the continent because it threatens Native lands and water. The pipeline’s original route would have crossed the Missouri River upstream from Bismarck, North Dakota, but was rerouted because of concerns that an oil leak would contaminate the City’s water supply.

HONOLULU—On January 18, 2017, over 80 ILWU members and retirees from all divisions went to the state capitol for the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. Opening day is the official start of the annual legislative session, which runs from mid-January to early May. Within the span of those lessthan-five months, state legislators make decisions on which bills become the laws that impact our lives every day.

there’s lots of jobs for all of us who were laid off. There are lots of jobs, but not a lot of good-paying jobs that let you live in Hawaii as it gets more expensive. The union got us good wages. It’s hard to find another job that will pay like that.”

On behalf of Local 142, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the workers in the sugar industry who helped make the union strong. With the closure of HC&S, we saw the end of an entire industry that created so much of life as we know it here in Hawaii. Sugar is pau. However, the values we treasure as a union and as a community will live on.

Unit 1413 - Big Island Toyota accepting their award for Outstanding Unit (1-29 members). Front (l-r): Jordan Matsuno, Cody Baptista, Unit Chair Gregory Wagner, Jr., Lawrence Cabral, Rose Bautista (Mayor Harry Kim’s representative, Business Agent George Martin.

HONOLULU—On Saturday December 10, 2016, ILWU held its 36th Annual State Basketball Tournament at Kaimuki Community Park Gym. Players, anxious to get started, practiced on the outside courts while they waited for the gym to open.

Primary Business Agent Jose Miramontes (far right) goes over the contract with Polynesian Adventure Tours members.

The ILWU’s first contested election in 18 years has yielded a new leadership team led by International President Willie Adams, Vice President (Mainland) Bobby Olvera, Jr., and Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris. Incumbent Wesley Furtado was re-elected to a sixth term as International Vice President (Hawaii).

LOCAL TITLED OFFICERS — Elected*