Message From the Hawaii Local President

Aloha Hawaii Local Union Sisters and Brothers,

Greetings to all of you, and thank you for your support of our SAG-AFTRA union, our shared industry and our local. Our Hawaii Local is strong, resilient and growing in the midst of another year of unprecedented times around the world.

Our members have worked on numerous films, TV series, streaming, new media, commercials, voiceovers and many other opportunities occurring across our island state. While we wish we could begin meeting in person and face to face for membership meetings, conservatories and other events, the state of Hawaii’s and our industry's COVID-19 protocols, and resource conservation practices on a national level (as of this writing), precludes us from large gatherings. Gratefully, many of our members have positively benefited from our union’s COVID-19 safety protocols agreement that ensures safe set conditions and protects us from any unnecessary health risks. 

We are thankful that our executive director, Mericia Palma Elmore, continues to work for us and with us, performing all core functions, maintaining our connections in the local industry, assisting our local members and working with our colleagues in the union around the country.

Our Hawaii Local Board also is working for you, meeting via Zoom in committees, and focusing on important matters such as legislative initiatives and support for incentives that will keep our industry strong and encourage productions to film in Hawaii. We, your volunteer Hawaii Local Board, encourage you to participate and engage with your union. We invite you to join us as a volunteer on a local committee to help with our local’s important work. Contact Mericia, or any of the Hawaii Local Board members, or me, for more information. 

Nationally, our union continues to grow in numbers and is financially strong. Initiation fees will be held to their current rates, which will help encourage non-members to join with us for even better representation. The SAG-AFTRA Committee of Locals met at the beginning of February and helped to consider issues and prepare before the National Board meeting. The 2022 Commercials Negotiations Proposal Package was approved at the National Board meeting and is ready for negotiations currently underway. Our success as a union depends upon strong contracts that benefit our members and increase employment opportunities for all. Union strong!

Pupukahi I Holomua!

Unite to move forward!

Andrea “Andy” Sikkink
SAG-AFTRA Hawaii Local President