HGEA Show Support for Maui Region Hospital Workers

Hawaii Government Employees Association photo.

Hawaii Government Employees Association members showed their support for Maui Region hospital workers affected by the state’s privatization and urging Gov. David Ige to sign Senate Bill 2077 through a sign-waving event being held from 4:30 until 6 p.m. today, Friday, July 8, in front of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center (Sears side) along  Queen Ka‘ahumanu Avenue.

Sign wavers are urging Gov. David Ige to take Senate Bill 2077 off his veto list and sign it into law. SB 2077 provides a severance or early retirement options for certain Hawaii Health Systems Corporation workers in the Maui Region who are being adversely affected by privatization.

Some workers are close to reaching milestones for retirement benefits, but their service with the state is being cut short due to the transition to the private operator, Kaiser Permanente.

Earlier this legislative session, the State House of Representatives and Senate unanimously passed SB 2077.

HGEA represents approximately 900 members at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital.