Statement by Governor Abercrombie on HSTA

Press Release

The Hawai'i Supreme Court today rejected the Hawaii State Teachers Association's contention that the Hawai'i Labor Relations Board (HLRB) is not appropriately handling the case. The Supreme Court noted that the relief requested by HSTA, a petition for a writ of mandamus, is not appropriate in these circumstances.

Last week, the Hawai'i State Ethics Commission dismissed the HSTA's complaint claiming that the State had improperly communicated with the HLRB.

Earlier this month, the HLRB also dismissed one of HSTA's motions. In its ruling, the HLRB noted that the actions of HSTA amounted to "an egregious and reckless disregard for the truth" and "appear intended to mislead the board."

Governor Neil Abercrombie today released the following statement:

"We respect and support teachers and their contributions. The tactics of the Hawai'i State Teachers Association and its attorneys are being rejected across the board by the legal system in every venue. These theatrics serve no public purpose and they undermine the fact that our students are in schools learning and our teachers are in classrooms teaching. We never received any proposed alternatives from HSTA after its board refused to submit our tentative agreement to the membership. It is time to move on."

Source