The ILWU Local 142 hosted its 
30th Statewide Convention 
at the Hawai‘i Convention Center 
from September 9-13, 2024. Under 
the theme “Together We Rise,” the 
convention provided an opportunity 
to reflect on the union’s storied 
history and plan strategically for 
the challenges of the next three 
years. The event drew approximately 
400 delegates, observers, and guests 
from all corners of the state, fostering 
unity among the union’s five divisions 
and setting a clear agenda for the 
triennium ahead.    

ILWU Local 142 President Chris West 
called the convention to order, marking 
the beginning of a packed program. In his 
opening remarks, the President set the 
tone for the week, stating, “We know
that when the union and community 
work together, as proven by the fires, 
together we rise. But ‘together we 
rise’ doesn’t only speak to the Lahaina 
fires; it speaks to the labor movement 
in general.” The Lahaina fires and la
bor unity were indeed palpable themes 
throughout the convention.    

Among the most emotional moments 
of the convention was a presentation 
on the personal impacts and ongoing 
calls to action related to the Lahaina 
wildfires. Unit leaders from Lahaina 
shared personal stories of loss and 
survival, highlighting the union’s rapid 
response in assisting members affect
ed by the disaster. The presentation 
included a video and remarks from 
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen 

Jr., who joined via video to express his 
gratitude for the ILWU’s unwavering 
support for the community. Delegates 
were reminded of the ongoing need for 
advocacy to ensure a just recovery for 
both union members and the broader 
Lahaina community.

Solidarity was a recurring theme throughout 
the convention, culminating in a powerful 
march in support of UNITE HERE! Local 5 
(full story on page 6), who at the time was 
in the middle of a contract fight with 
the Hilton Hawaiian Village. 

Local 5’s Financial Secretary-Trea
surer, Cade Watanabe, gave a keynote 
address to ILWU delegates and guests 
two days later, emphasizing his 
connection to the ILWU and the two 
unions’ shared interests in fighting for 
workers.

“Union!” “Power!” “Union!” “Pow
er!” thundered through the room as 
Christopher “Christy” Cane, former 
National Secretary of the Construc
tion, Forestry, and Maritime Workers 
Union, led the delegation in a call and 
response. Cane attended the Local 142 
convention to share with the delegation 
the unprecedented efforts by the Aus
tralian government to dismantle the 
CFMWU, the nation’s largest union. 
Cane’s message was a call for solidari
ty as well as a warning that labor unity 
is more important than ever. The CFM    

    

WU is facing a hostile takeover by 
the Australian government. “If we let 
this happen in Australia, how long do 
you think it’s gonna be until the same 
thing happens in America?” Following 
Cane’s speech, the entire delgation 
stood behind the ILWU leaders along 
with Cane and filmed a message of 
solidarity to take back to Australia. 

Some of  the most important work, 
however, came from the elected dele
gate themselves, who approved several 
significant constitutional changes 
aimed at modernizing the union’s 
governance structure and enhancing 
its responsiveness to member needs. 
They also passed a comprehensive 
three-year budget that prioritizes 
organizing efforts, political advocacy, 
and member education programs.

Key program goals for the next 
triennium include expanding mem
ber participation, organizing new 
workplaces, andincreasing the 
union’s political influence. The union’s 
support following the fires, particularly 
the support of the Hawai‘i Longshore 
Division, was acknowledged through 
several resolutions.

One of the most dynamic sessions 
of the convention was the Leader
ship Summit, which brought together 
current and former International and 
Local leaders to share insights on 
effective leadership. A standout panel 
featured member leaders from the 
Grand Wailea hotel, who recounted 
their experiences in mobilizing their     
    

900-member unit during an
ongoing contract campaign. They 
shared impactful testimonials on the 
power of a mobilized rank and file and 
the transformation seen at the Grand 
Wailea, where members have come to 
see themselves as the union.

The convention also included a fare
well address from ILWU International 
President Willie Adams, whose term 
ends this year. Adams praised Local 
142 for their resilience and commit
ment to member-led unionism, stating, 
“The rank and file, you took your 
union back. What you said to everyone 
who was listening, here in Hawai‘i, 
on the mainland, and throughout the 
world, was that leadership is not about
asserting power over others. It’s about 
inspiring and empowering. It’s about the 
membership, the community, and the labor 
movement. And now, what you’ve said for 
the last three years is, ‘We are here, 
we’re not going anywhere, and we’re open 
for business.’ You have been good medicine.” 
His words resonated deeply with the audience, 
serving as both a farewell and a call to 
action.

The decisions made during the con
vention will shape the future of ILWU 
Local 142, but the spirit of “Together 
We Rise” ensures that progress will 
be built on unity, engagement, and a 
shared commitment to improving the 
lives of working people in Hawai‘i. 
With renewed purpose and determina
tion, the ILWU Local 142 stands ready 
to tackle the challenges ahead.   

We know that when the union and community work together, as proven by the fires, together we rise. But “together we rise” doesn’t only speak to the Lahaina fires; it speaks to the labor movement in general.

Leadership is not about asserting power over others. It’s about inspiring and empowering. it’s about the membership, the community, and the labor movement.