State giving ‘lip service’
on Kapolei, says union

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

The state has not had meaningful consultation with union officials over concerns by state workers who have or are scheduled to move to Kapolei, said attorneys for the Hawaii Government Employees Association.

But attorneys for the state contend they have met the mandate given by the Hawaii Labor Relations Board and are working with HGEA to resolve their concerns.

The three-member labor board today heard arguments from both sides on a motion by the union that the board enforce its July 16 order. That order required "meaningful consultation" with HGEA on the relocation of 1,006 state workers to the new State Building in Kapolei.

Attorney Peter L. Trask, who represents the union, argued the motion was filed because state officials have not met with the union on what agencies should be picked to move. Also, they did not address significant personnel and employment issues raised, including the possibility of a four-day, 10-hour workweek for workers to ease travel concerns, he said.

As of Oct. 19, 493 state workers from 21 state programs have moved to Kapolei. Another 513 people are pending relocation.

The state, Trask claimed, has used "delaying tactics" to stall the talks.

Moreover, in the last few weeks, it has made a last-ditch attempt to get the union to sign an agreement stating such consultation was held, even though no major progress was made.

"That's lip service, your honor," Trask said.

But state Deputy Attorney General Janice Kemp told the board the state has had meaningful talks with the union and has reached consensus on some issues, such as air conditioning, landscaping and parking.

Kemp said the state has made efforts in nonjurisdictional areas, such as asking the city to provide more buses to Kapolei.

"Some of the employees' concerns have been addressed," she said.

Kemp said the state wants the union to agree that those other issues regarding the move will be explored, but cautioned there will be some issues the state will never agree to with the union, such as a waiver for any drop in work performance by relocated state workers because of the travel to Kapolei.

Board chairman Bert Tomasu said a ruling on the union's motion will come later.