Legislative Committee Report

"Aloha Member,

"The following is a recap of what the Legislative Committee has been doing for the previous few months.

"Executive Director Brenda Ching and I, along with Irish Barber, a business agent from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, attended a special breakfast with Sen. Mazie Hirono that was hosted by the Hawaii State AFL-CIO.   

"Sen. Hirono was in excellent spirits, in spite of her recent cancer diagnosis. She outlined her immediate agenda and thoughts about Hawaii’s future.    

"Fellow Local Board member Lisa Romano and I served as delegates to the Hawaii state biennial AFL-CIO Convention in November. The convention is a major get-together, where affiliated unions conduct AFL-CIO general business, elect officers and consider and vote on constitutional amendments and resolutions. This year’s keynote speaker was Mayor Harry Kim from the Big Island. He gave us a report on the status of Mauna Kea and his role in resolving an issue that will be pono for all parties.    

"Significant for SAG-AFTRA was the recognition of Ms. Ching’s upcoming retirement, her years of service on the AFI-CIO’s Executive Board, and her contributions to our industry and the labor movement. After the meeting, our delegation had a luncheon discussion with representatives from IATSE and the musicians unions about the state Legislature’s opening day next year. Stay tuned.

"Aloha and happy holidays, 

"Charles Uyehara
Chairperson, Legislative Committee"

Photo: Charles Uyehara, Brenda Ching, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Irish Barber at the Hawaii state AFL-CIO breakfast meeting.