The Negotiating Committee for HTB/YB unanimously recommended a "YES" vote to the Membership for the ratification of the final Tentative Agreement on Saturday, 21st June 2008. The ratification meeting was held at the ILWU Local 142 - Hale Hapaiko. The majority of the Membership voted "YES" to ratify the final Tentative Agreement.

Elected spokesperson, Chief Mate, Kenny Ho, explained to the Membership what transpired during the Negotiations and thanked the Membership for their support. He emphasized that the Membership elected a combination of seasoned negotiators and some who were negotiating for the very first time. However, the Committee spoke with one voice and were mindful of each others "departmental concerns" throughout the negotiations. The Union was successful in negotiating an increase in ATO. "For every day the vessel is at sea, with the excetion of barge harbor, each crew member shall earn eight (08) hours accumulated time off for each day or portion of a day at sea." The Committee held a Q&A session prior to voting.

The Negotiating Committee for SBI unanimously recommended a "YES" vote to the Membership for the ratification of the final Tentative Agreement on Monday, 28th July 2008. The ratification meeting was held at Honolulu Harbor - Pier 27

Elected spokesperson, Captain Paul Hanke, explained to the Membership what transpired during the Negotiations and thanked the Membership for their support. The Committee spoke with one voice and was mindful of each others "departmental concerns". The Committee held a Q&A session for the Membership prior to voting. The Membership unanimously voted "YES" to ratify the final Tentative Agreement. The Union may have achieved parity between HTB/YB and SBI. Both contracts are for a duration of three (03) years.

HTB/YB Negotiating Committee                                         SBI Negotiating Committee

Kenny Ho                                                                                             Paul Hanke

Bryan Lee                                                                                             Brian Greene

Ted Quismondo                                                                                  Donovan Duncan

Wes Sharp                                                                                            David Marion

Wayne Cambra                                                                                    Brian Johansen

Randy Lafferty                                                                                       Roy Voeks

Lionel Ezera                                                                                          Chris Powers

Deron Schade                                                                                       Warren B. Ditch Jr.

Ryan Kamakea

Christy Fernando

Warren B. Ditch Jr.

I, Warren B. Ditch Jr., would like to thank the above Negotiating Committee's and their families for their support. I would also like to acknowledge their hard work and "job well done". The method and the amount of ATO earned is a huge accomplishment for the Hawaii Region. This has always been a huge stumbling block in Negotiations since the "birth" of the Hawaii Region.

Na Makani Olu Me Ke Kai Malie.............................