Teachers and State Agree on Federal Mediation

Governor Neil Abercrombie, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The state and Hawaii State Teacher’s Association have agreed to pursue the help of a federal mediator to resolve a contract dispute with teachers.

The process was initiated by the Governor who sent a letter to HSTA President Wil Okabe on August 14^th.

Gov. Abercrombie called the move “a step forward” in finding a solution to resolving differences.

The invitation, Gov. Abercrombie said, “is not about establishing who is right or who is wrong, but rather to re-engage HSTA in discussions which can lead to a resolution of the issues that separate us.”

Okabe, meantime, said he looks forward to beginning the mediation process as soon as possible.