Maui County Council member Kauanoe Batangan poses for a photo with ILWU members after earning their endorsement. Courtesy photo

The Maui Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 has endorsed Kauanoe Batangan, who currently holds the council’s Kahului residency seat, for the Maui County Council.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of ILWU and their many hardworking members of our community,” Batangan said in a news release. “This endorsement is especially meaningful to me, as I am the product of humble, hardworking ILWU members of Hawaii.”

Batangan said his father is an ILWU member and longtime health care worker, while his grandfather was a sakada and union member who participated in the 1946 Sugar Strike. He said his grandmother was also an ILWU member.

“I would not be here today if it weren’t for fair wages, benefits and positive working conditions that ILWU supported for them,” Batangan said. “I am deeply connected to the voices and causes of their membership.”

Batangan said his campaign is focused on affordable housing, reducing the cost of living and strengthening community services. For more information, visit KauanoeBatangan.com.