On March 11, 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed ILWU Local 142 President Christian West to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Board, marking a significant step toward ensuring that Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry serves not just corporate interests but the workers and communities that sustain it. 

Since its establishment in 1998, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has been governed by a Board of Directors responsible for setting policies and guiding the agency’s strategic direction. The board comprises 12 volunteer members appointed by the Governor of Hawai‘i, each serving four-year terms, with a limit of eight consecutive years. 

West’s confirmation comes at a critical time for Hawaiʻi’s tourism sector, which has faced mounting scrutiny over its impacts on workers, local communities, and the environment. As the leader of ILWU Local 142—which represents the majority of unionized hotel workers in the islands—West brings a perspective that has been historically underrepresented on the HTA Board.

Economic Development and Tourism, chaired by Senator Lynn Decoite, of Molokaʻi, conducted the Senate confirmation hearing. Testimonies submitted in support of West’s nomination included those from the United Public Workers (UPW), University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly (UHPA), Hawaiʻi State AFL-CIO, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA), UNITE HERE! Local 5, Operating Engineers Local 3, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 1657 and 1186. 

West took the hot seat, answering a number of questions from Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14, Oʻahu) and Senator Glenn Waikai (Senate District 15, Oʻahu). Senator Wakai expressed his concern for a better tourism model. “When you look at tourism today, it’s a 21 billion dollar industry. So as we grow tourism, how do we make sure that it’s not just investment firms and Wall Street tycoons that are benefiting from tourism, but how are local people really gonna take a bigger share of the benefits of the growth in tourism?” 

West responded highlighting his experience in struggling with big hotels over this very issue. “In my opinion, and I have a strong opinion about it, if I want to raise my children here, I should be able to do that. When we have companies that are making their money here in Hawaiʻi but don’t necessarily reside here, i think that where organizations like ours come into play to make sure that it’s not a place where people come and exploit our resources and our local people to make money and not to leave their share back here with our workers.”

West aims to apply the logic of the union to advocating for policies that distribute tourism’s wealth more equitably— especially in rural and neighbor island communities that often receive

fewer resources despite their heavy reliance on tourism.

West’s confirmation is a win for ILWU Local 142 members and for all working people in Hawaiʻi. His appointment underscores the growing recognition that tourism is not just about visitor spending and corporate profits but about the workers and communities that make Hawaiʻi special.

President to Local Executive Board: union strength in Units

Aloha Brothers and Sisters, 

Welcome all new members to the Local Executive Board of ILWU Local 142. I, along with the other Titled Officers, am excited to welcome you and look forward to completing the work of this Local with you all. As we continue our work in representing and protecting our members, it is essential to reflect on our progress, address current challenges, and set clear goals for the future. Our union remains strong, but we must stay vigilant in the face of economic, political, and industry-wide changes. 

Organizing and Mobilizing our Membership 

Over the past triennium, we have focused on strengthening our membership through organizing efforts in most of our industries and divisions. While we have seen positive growth in Local 142 membership, we must continue to expand our reach and recruit new members to maintain our bargaining power and political influence. Organizing efforts in Tourism, General Trades, and healthcare have shown promise, and we will continue to support campaigns to bring more workers into the union. Additionally, we are working to ensure that current members remain engaged, informed, and active in our union activities.

 It is vital that we continue to rebuild and strengthen our unit structure throughout this Local by returning the power of this Local to its units. As a bottom-up organization, it is only through these efforts that we will grow this union's influence politically, corporately, and individually amongst our membership. 

Collective Bargaining and Contract Negotiations 

Negotiations remain a top priority for our union. Over the past 3 years, through the efforts of our divisions and the negotiating committees, we have and continue to achieve record-setting contracts. Our members deserve the right to not just “Fair wages”, but actual “Thriving wages” where we can continue to live and thrive here in our home…..Hawaii. We have faced resistance from employers who seek to reduce costs at the expense of our working families, and we will no longer stand for this. We are committed to standing firm and using all tools available, including mobilization of our members, public support, and, if necessary, job action to achieve just contracts. I would like to recognize our members of the Grand Wailea resort on the island of Maui for their diligence and solidarity in their recent ULP strike that set the momentum for their record-breaking contract and the bar for some of our other hotels also in negotiations. 

Political and Legislative Action 

Our union has remained active and powerful in advocating for pro-labor policies at the state and federal levels. We have been in discussions with lawmakers about protecting workers' rights, holding corporations responsible, and ensuring fair labor standards. Local 142 has regained its influence within the state capitol and will continue to remind our politicians who they work for, us, the people. Through the efforts of our International VP Hawaii Brandon Wolff and our ILWU Local 142 Government Liaison Brensen Wailehua-Hansen, our politicians know that the ILWU Local 142 will be there to hold them accountable to our members. With upcoming elections, we must also mobilize our members to register and vote. To support candidates who align with our values. Our Political Action Committee has been working diligently to educate members about the stakes of these elections and how they can get involved. 

Education and Training

Investing in our members' education is critical to the future of our union. Over the past 3 years, we have held several steward training sessions to ensure that workplace leaders are equipped with the skills needed to advocate for their fellow workers. FTO training and staff professional development continue to be a priority for Local 142. We will continue to recruit and train stewards so that we can hold our companies to the agreed upon CBA’s and fight for safe working conditions. We are also looking at expanding educational opportunities, including workshops, industry-wide caucuses, legal rights, and organizing strategies. An educated membership is a strong membership 

Community and Solidarity 

Beyond our workplaces, ILWU Local 142 remains committed to the broader community. We have participated in outreach efforts, supported local charities, and stood in solidarity with other unions in their struggles. Our strength lies in unity, and we will continue to show up for workers everywhere. Our recent collaborative efforts with Local 5 UNITE/HERE and shared resources, have resulted in increased leverage with the corporations we also have collective bargaining agreements with. 

In conclusion, as we move forward, we must remain committed to the principles of solidarity, strength, and justice. There will be challenges ahead, but together, we will continue to fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and respect for all workers. We will continue to fight for local working families across our divisions, and I encourage all members to stay engaged, support one another, and uphold the proud legacy of the ILWU. 

Mahalo for your dedication and hard work. Let’s keep moving forward together. Never forget, we are stronger together!