Veto Anticipated for Senate Bill 2077

News Release from HGEA, July 9, 2016

We've been in contact with key legislators throughout the day Friday, July 8, who indicate that Gov. David Ige is still intent on a veto for Senate Bill 2077. SB 2077 provides relief for certain Maui Region HHSC employees who will be negatively affected by the privatization of Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital.

We are aware that the governor's office is preparing an amended version of the bill that greatly reduces the early retirement and severance benefits that are in the current version. Our position remains that the benefits outlined in SB 2077, the bill that unanimously passed both the State House and Senate, is fair and reasonable. In fact, the severance formula is the same as what was passed in 2000 during former Gov. Ben Cayetano's civil service reform legislation. That is why now it's difficult to understand why this administration believes it is too generous.

On Friday, July 8, more than 50 HGEA members and supporters waved signs along Kaahumanu Avenue on Maui in a show of support for the passage of SB 2077.  Click here to see the Maui News story and see the Maui Now news article here.

Gov. Ige has the following options with a July 12 deadline:

•      Sign the bill into law

•      Let the bill pass into law without his signature

•      Veto the bill

If SB 2077 is vetoed, legislators have the following options:

•      Allow the veto to stand

•      Override the veto with a 2/3 vote

•      Amend the bill and take a vote - bill passes with a simple majority

If the governor moves forward with a veto, legislators are considering their options which include an override of the veto or submitting an amended version of the bill separate from the governor's version.

Again, we believe that the benefits outlined in the current bill are fair. For example a similar severance will be paid out to workers who are losing jobs due to the closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company on Maui. Those employees will receive a severance of 11 paid days for each year of service.

We urge you to contact Maui legislators should Gov. Ige veto the bill.