Hawaiian Airlines employee was “wrongfully terminated” over Samoan tattoo

After being fired for breaking Hawaiian Airlines ' tattoo policy, Tracy Sialega-Fili, a Samoan-American customer care representative, is advocating for increased cultural understanding and acceptance of traditional tattoos.

After nearly four years of employment with Hawaiian Airlines in Seattle, Sialega-Fili lost her job in early December when the company found out she had a traditional Samoan hand tattoo called a tualima.

Sialega-Fili shared with my that the union is actively appealing the case on her behalf.

Sialega-Fili got the tattoo in May 2024 to honor her father, who has been dealing with severe health problems.

A significant aspect of Samoan culture, the tualima represents family, heritage, and personal journeys. It symbolizes her father's battle with illness and her responsibility as his main caretaker, according to Sialega-Fili.

"My Tualima symbolizes the journey I've been on in caring for my dad. My dad has been battling and is in his final stages of kidney failure.

He has also overcome cancer twice. He is the stronghold of our family and has been fighting strong throughout everything thrown his way." Sialega-Fili told my.

Knowing about the airline’s policy on tattoos, Sialega-Fili told my that she covered her tattoos during work hours, using makeup and disposable gloves to comply with the company’s dress code.

The policy prohibits visible tattoos for employees in customer-facing roles, although those in non-public-facing positions, such as baggage handlers, are allowed visible tattoos.

Sialega-Fili said her hand tattoo was discovered during an event held by a non-company outside of work, which led to a company inquiry and follow-up.

The company held a hearing on this matter in early November, but at the end of the month, she received her termination email.

Additionally, Hawaiʻi Public Radio reported that the letter stated that "disposable gloves are not considered an appropriate uniform piece."

Sialega-Fili said her main goal is to allow Polynesians the freedom to express and wear their beliefs and culture as freely as the airline uses them.

"It’s about fairness and equality for us Polynesians to be able to wear the honor and heart of our culture on our bodies, just as they display it on their uniforms and aircraft."

In a response to my, Hawaiian Airlines stated that it does not comment on situations that are still pending involving specific personnel.

Employees who do not interact with guests, such as cargo agents, baggage handlers, and staff members stationed at the corporate headquarters, are allowed to wear visible tattoos as long as they do not include offensive language or images.

Nonetheless, there are more strict requirements for those staff members who often deal with passengers.

"Employees who regularly interact with our guests, such as flight attendants, guest service agents, and pilots, must not have visible tattoos as part of uniform standards agreed to upon hiring. While we understand the importance and cultural significance of tattoos in Hawai’i, these standards are in place to ensure our company, which transports guests from around the world, remains respectful to those with cultural sensitivities to tattoos. We also regularly review these policies and will continue to do so as we integrate with Alaska Airlines," the statment said.

The situation has sparked a wider debate about cultural appropriation and the respect for indigenous traditions, particularly in Hawaii, where Samoan tattoos have deep cultural significance.

The debate intensifies given Hawaiian Airlines’ recent promotion of the movie "Moana 2", which features fictional character Maui, known for his tattoos.

The airline even showcased designs of Maui on several of their airplanes as part of the film’s marketing.

In one of the three "Moana 2" aircraft livery designs, a Hawaiian Airbus A330 aircraft features Moana, the shape-shifting demigod Maui, the small-but-menacing Kakamora, and a "Welcome Voyagers" message for all guests embarking on their next adventure onboard Hawai'i's hometown airline.