PRESS RELEASE NO. 04-2022

28 January 2022, Honolulu – Consul General Emil Fernandez received Mr. Eric Kingma, Executive Director of the Hawaii Longline Association (HLA) and Pastor Jerry Saludez, Head of the Seafarers Ministry and Waipio Baptist Church at the Philippine Consulate General on 27 January 2022.

HLA was established in 2000 to advance the interests of fishermen and related industries involved in the Hawaii longline fisheries.  As the largest food producer in the state of Hawaii, HLA contributes an estimated USD 100 million in commercial value to the local fishing industry.  Its membership includes 145 longline fishing vessels with foreign fishermen hired mainly from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Pacific Islander nations.  About one third (approximately 230) of the 700 foreign fishermen in Hawaii’s longline fishing industry are Filipinos. 

The Seafarers’ Ministry works closely with HLA in attending to the needs of the fishermen, including providing essentials such as towels, blankets, pillows, and food, conducting Bible studies, and organizing free medical and dental clinics in partnership with volunteer healthcare workers. 

The parties discussed the conditions of Filipino fishermen and ways to further improve their welfare.  Consul General Fernandez expressed the hope for their continued collaboration, including the provision of services extended to the Filipino fishermen.  He also assured Mr. Kingma and Pastor Saludez of the Consulate’s readiness to provide assistance and ensure that their rights are protected.  END.

Consul General Emil Fernandez listens as Pastor Jerry Saludez talks about the situation of Filipino fishermen employed in Hawaii’s longline industry.

(Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)

From left to right are Pastor Jerry Saludez, Head of the Seafarers Ministry and Waipio Baptist Church, Consul Grace Bulos, Consul General Emil Fernandez and Mr. Mr. Eric Kingma, Executive Director of the Hawaii Longline Association.  (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)