STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE ON THE HSTA PROHIBITED PRACTICES COMPLAINT

“The HSTA’s latest action proves once again that the union leaders care more about money than educating Hawai‘i’s children.  Instead of accepting the generous offer of $50 million I proposed last November that will allow the immediate return of children and teachers to the classroom, the HSTA is spending their time on frivolous complaints.

“It’s clear that the HSTA sees their chance to squeeze more money out of taxpayers slipping away as others in the community lobby legislators for portions of the limited Rainy Day Fund.

“Their unwillingness to resolve the issue of returning children to school is evident by this most recent complaint that lacks substance and merit.  This type of action wastes time and will further encourage legislators and the public to support a constitutional amendment allowing the next governor to choose the superintendent of education.

“The HSTA’s legacy will be that money comes first; children come second.”

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ADV: HSTA lodges complaint against Lingle

"The governor has never shown the slightest willingness to move off of her position," HSTA president Wil Okabe said in a statement. "Instead, the governor stubbornly clings to her mantra of allowing only 'essential teachers' to return to school and eliminating all planning days. Only the governor pretends these are workable solutions."

(Only the HSTA believes it has any credibility.)

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