GOP and Democrats
delay support of
HGEA settlement

Star-Bulletin staff

House Republicans are not agreed in supporting a Hawaii Government Employees Association arbitrated settlement, despite earlier reports.

The House GOP, which is key to the HGEA's campaign to win the estimated 14.5 percent pay raise, yesterday issued a news release saying "A deal's a deal, the HGEA deserves raise."

But, while GOP leader Rep. Galen Fox (R, Waikiki) endorsed that plan, it is not shared by the entire caucus.

Fox said when he told his staff to distribute the release, he thought it was going to the other House Republicans, but instead it was faxed to the news media.

Rep. Joe Gomes (R, Waimanalo), who said he still had questions about the arbitrated award, said he understands "a promise is a promise, but I don't feel we are legally bound to fund the award."

If the GOP is having problems deciding their position, they are not alone. Yesterday, Rep. Calvin Say, House speaker, said the Democrats are still waiting for all five public-employee unions to be settled. Still outstanding are the teachers and university professor contracts. Both those unions are threatening a strike Thursday.

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