News

Vote Scheduled For 6:30 p.m. Friday

During today’s House and Senate Floor Sessions, both Chambers concurrently fast-tracked H.B. 1075, which privatizes the Maui Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.  The final version of the bill will be voted on by the House of Representatives and the Senate on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m., much earlier than originally anticipated.
 
A copy of the bill can be viewed here.
 
The amendments contained in the current version of the bill:

• Includes HHSC employee protections and the preservation of all previously earned rights, benefits and privileges
• Mandates all employees receive continued employment for no less than 6 months
• Grants the Governor authority to direct negotiations between the State and the private operator
• Creates a process for soliciting potential private operators and for requesting state subsidy and capital improvement projects
  We continue to oppose this measure and the privatization of the Maui Region. 

However, we anticipate and multiple sources indicate that H.B. 1075 is poised to pass both chambers on Friday.  Contact your legislators at sens@capitol.hawaii.gov and reps@capitol.hawaii.gov to oppose H.B. 1075.  
 
Allowing the privatization of the Maui Region will potentially open the door to other government services being outsourced.
 
If H.B. 1075 passes on Friday, our focus must quickly shift to the next steps, including working with Gov. David Ige and his staff on protecting employee benefits and outlining the process.