SB 183: EUTF; Collective Bargaining; Contributions; Disputes; Impasses; Arbitration
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-12
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-02: Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
183 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
"(e) Negotiations relating to contributions to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund shall be for the purpose of
agreeing upon the amounts [which] that the State and counties
shall contribute under section 87A-32, toward the payment of the costs for a
health benefits plan, as defined in section 87A-1, and group life insurance
benefits, and the parties shall not be bound by the amounts contributed under
prior agreements[; provided that section 89-11 for the resolution of
disputes by way of arbitration shall not be available to resolve impasses or
disputes relating to the amounts the State and counties shall contribute to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund]."
SECTION 2. Section 89-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
"(g)
The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding upon
the parties on all provisions submitted to the arbitration panel. [If the parties have reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the tenth working day after
the arbitration panel issues its decision, the final and binding agreement of
the parties on all provisions shall consist of the panel's decision and the
amounts of contributions agreed to by the parties. If the parties have not reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the close of business on
the tenth working day after the arbitration panel issues its decision, the
parties shall have five days to submit their respective recommendations for
such contributions to the legislature, if it is in session, and if the
legislature is not in session, the parties shall submit their respective
recommendations for such contributions to the legislature during the next
session of the legislature. In such
event, the final and binding agreement of the parties on all provisions shall
consist of the panel's decision and the amounts of contributions established by
the legislature by enactment, after the legislature has considered the
recommendations for such contributions by the parties. It is strictly understood that no member of a
bargaining unit subject to this subsection shall be allowed to participate in a
strike on the issue of the amounts of contributions by the State and counties
to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund.] The parties shall take whatever action is
necessary to carry out and effectuate the final and binding agreement. The parties may, at any time and by mutual
agreement, amend or modify the panel's decision.
Agreements reached pursuant to the decision
of an arbitration panel and the amounts of contributions by the State and
counties to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund[, as
provided herein,] shall not be subject to ratification by the employees
concerned. All items requiring any
moneys for implementation shall be subject to appropriations by the appropriate
legislative bodies and the employer shall submit all [such] applicable
items within ten days after the date [on which] the agreement is entered
into [as provided herein,] to the appropriate legislative bodies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
EUTF; Collective Bargaining; Contributions; Disputes; Impasses; Arbitration
Description:
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
183 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
"(e) Negotiations relating to contributions to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund shall be for the purpose of
agreeing upon the amounts [which] that the State and counties
shall contribute under section 87A-32, toward the payment of the costs for a
health benefits plan, as defined in section 87A-1, and group life insurance
benefits, and the parties shall not be bound by the amounts contributed under
prior agreements[; provided that section 89-11 for the resolution of
disputes by way of arbitration shall not be available to resolve impasses or
disputes relating to the amounts the State and counties shall contribute to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund]."
SECTION 2. Section 89-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
"(g)
The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding upon
the parties on all provisions submitted to the arbitration panel. [If the parties have reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the tenth working day after
the arbitration panel issues its decision, the final and binding agreement of
the parties on all provisions shall consist of the panel's decision and the
amounts of contributions agreed to by the parties. If the parties have not reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the close of business on
the tenth working day after the arbitration panel issues its decision, the
parties shall have five days to submit their respective recommendations for
such contributions to the legislature, if it is in session, and if the
legislature is not in session, the parties shall submit their respective
recommendations for such contributions to the legislature during the next
session of the legislature. In such
event, the final and binding agreement of the parties on all provisions shall
consist of the panel's decision and the amounts of contributions established by
the legislature by enactment, after the legislature has considered the
recommendations for such contributions by the parties. It is strictly understood that no member of a
bargaining unit subject to this subsection shall be allowed to participate in a
strike on the issue of the amounts of contributions by the State and counties
to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund.] The parties shall take whatever action is
necessary to carry out and effectuate the final and binding agreement. The parties may, at any time and by mutual
agreement, amend or modify the panel's decision.
Agreements reached pursuant to the decision
of an arbitration panel and the amounts of contributions by the State and
counties to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund[, as
provided herein,] shall not be subject to ratification by the employees
concerned. All items requiring any
moneys for implementation shall be subject to appropriations by the appropriate
legislative bodies and the employer shall submit all [such] applicable
items within ten days after the date [on which] the agreement is entered
into [as provided herein,] to the appropriate legislative bodies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
EUTF; Collective Bargaining; Contributions; Disputes; Impasses; Arbitration
Description:
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
183 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 89-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
"(e) Negotiations relating to contributions to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund shall be for the purpose of
agreeing upon the amounts [which] that the State and counties
shall contribute under section 87A-32, toward the payment of the costs for a
health benefits plan, as defined in section 87A-1, and group life insurance
benefits, and the parties shall not be bound by the amounts contributed under
prior agreements[; provided that section 89-11 for the resolution of
disputes by way of arbitration shall not be available to resolve impasses or
disputes relating to the amounts the State and counties shall contribute to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund]."
SECTION 2. Section 89-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
"(g)
The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding upon
the parties on all provisions submitted to the arbitration panel. [If the parties have reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the tenth working day after
the arbitration panel issues its decision, the final and binding agreement of
the parties on all provisions shall consist of the panel's decision and the
amounts of contributions agreed to by the parties. If the parties have not reached agreement
with respect to the amounts of contributions by the State and counties to the
Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund by the close of business on
the tenth working day after the arbitration panel issues its decision, the
parties shall have five days to submit their respective recommendations for
such contributions to the legislature, if it is in session, and if the
legislature is not in session, the parties shall submit their respective
recommendations for such contributions to the legislature during the next
session of the legislature. In such
event, the final and binding agreement of the parties on all provisions shall
consist of the panel's decision and the amounts of contributions established by
the legislature by enactment, after the legislature has considered the
recommendations for such contributions by the parties. It is strictly understood that no member of a
bargaining unit subject to this subsection shall be allowed to participate in a
strike on the issue of the amounts of contributions by the State and counties
to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund.] The parties shall take whatever action is
necessary to carry out and effectuate the final and binding agreement. The parties may, at any time and by mutual
agreement, amend or modify the panel's decision.
Agreements reached pursuant to the decision
of an arbitration panel and the amounts of contributions by the State and
counties to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund[, as
provided herein,] shall not be subject to ratification by the employees
concerned. All items requiring any
moneys for implementation shall be subject to appropriations by the appropriate
legislative bodies and the employer shall submit all [such] applicable
items within ten days after the date [on which] the agreement is entered
into [as provided herein,] to the appropriate legislative bodies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
EUTF; Collective Bargaining; Contributions; Disputes; Impasses; Arbitration
Description:
Allows impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of State and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration. Repeals the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of State and county contributions to the Trust Fund.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2026 | Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457). |
| Apr 1, 2026 | House Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Senate Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-24-25 10:16AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 860). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Aquino Chair; Rhoads Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 754). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Sayama, Lee, M. Co-Chairs; Reyes Oda. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 590). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 458). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Woodson excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1916), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hussey, Ward. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 03-28-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Holt, Ward, Woodson excused (4). |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Reported from LAB (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1179) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Lee, M., Garrett, Kapela, Kong; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Reyes Oda. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by LAB on Tuesday, 03-11-25 9:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to LAB, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 107) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Moriwaki. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | One Day Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 962) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard. |
| Feb 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-21-25 10:20AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Reported from LBT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 349) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in LBT were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Aquino, Lee, C., Ihara, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-25 3:10PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Referred to LBT, JDC. |
| Jan 15, 2025 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 13, 2025 | Pending Introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 3, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Labor |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Department of Budget | ** Against | |
| Finance | ** Against | |
| Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| Hawaii State AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaii Professional Assembly | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1916
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 183
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Allow impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of state and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration; and
(2) Repeal the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of state and county contributions to the Trust Fund.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1179
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 183
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Allow impasses and disputes relating to employer contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration; and
(2) Repeal the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of employer contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.
Your Committee finds that existing law does not provide a means for resolving disputes regarding employer monthly contributions for medical premiums toward Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund plans. This implies that this negotiable item is effectively one-sided, and employer controlled. This measure ensures that both parties can negotiate in good faith, knowing that there is a fair process in place to resolve any disagreements, which supports workers' rights and promotes collaboration between employees and employers.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,
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____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 962
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 183
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Allow impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of state and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer‑Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration; and
(2) Repeal the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of state and county contributions to the Trust Fund.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; and University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.
Your Committee finds that existing law does not provide a dispute resolution mechanism to address the employee-employer share of monthly contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), effectively rendering the negotiable item one-sided and employer controlled. Your Committee further finds that the cost burden of health insurance for many public employees is magnified by the high cost of living in the State. This measure enables public employees to negotiate employer contributions to EUTF by establishing a dispute resolution mechanism that allows for arbitration and strikes.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 349
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 183
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 183 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Allow impasses and disputes relating to the amounts of state and county contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to be resolved by arbitration; and
(2) Repeal the prohibition against strikes by members of bargaining units on the issue of the amounts of state and county contributions to the Trust Fund.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.
Your Committee finds that while employer contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund are a negotiable item, there is not currently a dispute resolution mechanism to address disagreements. This effectively makes the negotiable item one sided and employer controlled. Contributions to the Trust Fund are a critical component of the public employment compensation package and a tool for retaining public employees in the context of dramatically increasing costs of living. This measure establishes a dispute resolution mechanism for the negotiation of employer contributions to the Trust Fund by allowing arbitration and strikes.
Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 183, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 183, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Technology,
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________________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair |
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Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
47SEC
Senate Floor
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):