Abercrombie: Only Hawaii Union Contractors May Bid on State Jobs

KHON: From now on, every major state project will only employ union workers. That's promising news for the economy, and for the thousands of people still sitting on the bench.
"This is a historical day for us, for all the working men and women, and we're excited to see it start," said Reginald Castanares, Jr., president, Building Trades Council.

Under the Governor's directive, union workers will be used for every major state job such as the $38 million University of Hawaii at Hilo's College of Pharmacy project and the $32 million Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building project. The Governor says project labor agreements will put local people back to work and keep the money in Hawaii.

One well-known project that angered many union workers was the Aloha Stadium renovation in which Mainland workers were used.

"That we're not going to have a situation where contractors are able to low-ball bids and get advantages in procurement because they're able to establish false levels of employment," Gov. Abercrombie said.

PBN: Administrative Directive 12-05

Read … State ensures union jobs

Related: ABC Hawaii Chapter Blasts Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s PLA Directive

Governor Issues Directive for Use of Project Labor Agreements for State Construction Projects

News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov May 22, 2012

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) plan to ensure efficient and timely completion to various State construction projects. By Administrative Directive, Governor Abercrombie declared that the State of Hawai'i will use PLAs on a variety of construction projects in order to address obstacles that might arise due to a lack of labor coordination.

A Project Labor Agreement provides a mechanism for collaboration on certain projects to prevent potential conflicts among labor unions,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Our local economy has shown signs of improvement, but we cannot afford to lose this momentum by prolonging projects from getting done in a timely manner.”

Building Trades Council President Reginald Castanares, Jr. stated, “We’re grateful that the Abercrombie Administration is supportive of the working men and women of Hawai'i. The Governor’s Directive speaks volumes to his desire to create jobs and work on necessary projects that will benefit the State.”

The Governor also announced five State construction projects that have been identified by various State departments that will fall under the PLA. These are:

University of Hawai'i – Hilo College of Pharmacy: This $38 million project will include classrooms for new pharmacists and research labs for the discovery and synthesis of new drug entities. A Honolulu-based firm, WCIT, is the lead architect and has completed more than half of the design.

Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building: Total project estimated cost is $32.9 million. It includes major renovation of the existing building; asbestos removal; and infrastructure, electrical and plumbing repairs. The scope of work also includes design and construction that meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Maui Regional Public Safety Complex: Total project estimated cost is $225 million. It is the construction of a new jail facility in Puunene, Maui that will include adult male and female secure housing and support facilities, security support facilities and administrative offices. The design of this Complex will meet LEED standards.

Ewa Elementary School: This $11 million project is the construction of an eight-classroom building to meet growth and enrollment projections in this fast growing community. It will include six general classrooms, a self-contained special education classroom, and a computer resource room.

Honolulu International Airport Mauka Concourse Project: Estimated project cost is $213 million. It will include extending the interisland terminal with the addition of six wide body and 11 narrow body gates, additional concessionaire space, airline lounge, and restrooms.

Labor unions and employers that work on these projects will enter into a PLA when the contract is awarded.

Governor Abercrombie added, “These projects are prime examples of addressing immediate job growth and building better infrastructure for the future as outlined in my New Day Plan.”