News

We are disappointed to report that funding for the recent binding arbitration award for Unit 14's first contract has stalled due to a deferral by the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee. All other county and state funding legislation is either approved or moving forward (see below for details).  

HGEA is actively pursuing the situation and seeking information on the issue. We are prepared to litigate to the full extent of the law to enforce the binding arbitration decision.

Please watch for future eBulletins as we may need you to contact county legislators if the situation doesn't improve.  

See below for background information on the arbitration award and current status of funding legislation.

The arbitration panel issued its decision for the first contract for Bargaining Unit 14 on February 22, 2016. The pay increases and cost items of the award are effective July 1, 2016, and also require funding by the Hawaii State Legislature and the County Councils.  

Funding mechanisms have been introduced in each jurisdiction and here is the current status of the legislation.

Maui County Council
Council Communication 16-50 (CC 16-50), which approves the pay increases and other cost items of the Unit 14 arbitration award, was received by the Maui County Council and referred to the Budget and Finance Committee. The Budget and Finance Committee heard the resolution on March 29, 2016, but deferred any decision making on the measure.

Hawaii State Legislature
S.B. 2836, which appropriates funds for the Unit 14 pay increases and other cost items, is moving through the legislative process as expected and is on track to be approved by the end of the 2016 legislative session.

Honolulu City Council
Council Resolution 16-57 was adopted by the City Council on March 16, 2016 approving the funding for pay increases and other cost items for Unit 14 employees of the City and County of Honolulu.

Hawaii County Council
Resolution No. 440-16, funding the pay increases and other cost items of the Unit 14 arbitration award, was approved on April 6, 2016.

Kauai County Council
Bill No. 2624, funding the pay increases and other cost items of the Unit 14 arbitration award, passed first reading of the Council on March 23, 2016 and is currently making its way through the Council’s legislative process.

Please be assured that HGEA is prepared to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that your arbitration award and first Unit 14 contract is funded. We believe that is a responsibility and obligation of the various legislative bodies under the collective bargaining law.

We will keep you updated as we receive more information.