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A proposal by Mayor Jeremy Harris to take some personnel issues out of collective bargaining is drawing mixed comments from colleagues and legislators. Mayor’s union comments
garner mixed reactionsBy Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-BulletinHarris, speaking to the joint money committees of the state Legislature yesterday, told lawmakers that efforts to improve government efficiency have been stymied because "current law severely limits the ability of management to manage."
Harris cited several examples that required collective bargaining with government unions.
Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana said he believes issues like sick leave and vacation can be negotiated at the bargaining table with the unions.
He said Gary Rodrigues, state director for the United Public Workers, followed through with a promise to negotiate fairly and reasonably on such issues during recently completed talks with that union.
"The table is the place to do it," Apana said. "That's the agreed-upon system. I don't think we should deviate much. That's why we have mediators -- in case we get stuck."
But Kauai Mayor Maryanne Kusaka said she supports Harris' call, noting that she too has been frustrated.
"I agree when Jeremy says they've taken away all of our management rights, that is so true," Kusaka said. "We cannot manage. They're managing our departments."
Kusaka said that, like Harris, she believes that the counties should be allowed to get a better grasp on issues such as mandatory drug testing and sick leave.
Sen. Brian Taniguchi, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Dwight Takamine, chairman of the House Finance Committee, said while they both will give Harris' proposal serious consideration, the bulk of discussion would take place in the labor committees.
House Labor Chairwoman Terry Yoshinaga said there is support for civil service reform but that the process will be a gradual one.
"I'm in agreement that a lot more needs to be done," Yoshinaga said.
But the issue is a complicated one with different things that can be done, she said. "The devil is in the details."
The UPW's Rodrigues could not be reached for comment.
Randy Kusaka of the Hawaii Government Employees Association said the issues raised by Harris yesterday dealt primarily with UPW.
Both UPW and HGEA -- the state's two largest government worker unions -- endorsed challenger Mufi Hannemann last year when Harris won re-election.
City & County of Honolulu
