The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 has endorsed a plan to build a major hotel and housing project in Ka'u on the Big Island.

Sea Mountain Five LLC is proposing to construct about 1,050 single-family homes and condominiums, as well as 350 hotel rooms, on more than 400 acres in rural Ka'u. The $850 million project is targeted to be completed in 2015.

But the project has run into opposition, including from the Hawai'i County Council. A council committee last month approved a resolution to buy and preserve 150 acres of coastal land that would include land where Sea Mountain LLC wants to build its project.

The resolution, approved 8-0 by the council's Finance Committee, would instruct Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's administration to enter into negotiations to buy Punalu'u Beach Park and adjacent coastal property within 2,000 feet of the shoreline. The county now leases the beach park land from a private owner.

The ILWU yesterday threw its support for the project, saying it would create much-needed jobs and revitalize the local economy, which was hit hard by the demise of the sugar industry. The union represents workers in sugar and other agricultural industries.

"Our members have made it clear that they want to have a good job, maintain their country lifestyle and be close to home," said Richard Baker Jr., ILWU Hawai'i division director. "We've spoken with the developer, and we believe they are committed to providing jobs and education opportunities for the people of Ka'u, giving back to the community and protecting the environment."