HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.155 2008-2010DOMINIC YAGONG
Council Member
Council District 1
May 19, 2010
Mr. Gabriel Malani
Business Agent
SHOPO Hilo Chapter
688 Kinoole Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Aloha Gabriel Malani,
Hawai `i County Council
County ofHawai`i
25 Aupunt Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Email: dyagong @co hawait hi us
Phone: (808) 961 -8264 "
Fax (808) 961 -8912
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However, in reading HRS Chapter 89, it states:
"(e) In addition to a collective bargaining agreement under subsection (d), each employer
may negotiate, independently of one another, supplemental agreements that apply to their
respective employees; provided that any supplemental agreement reached between the
employer and the exclusive representative shall not extend beyond the term of the applicable
collective bargaining agreement and shall not require ratification by employees in the
bargaining unit."
The consideration of Mayor Kenoi's proposed 2010 -2011 operating budget is underway and it will certainly be
a tremendous challenge. The budgetary shortfall that we are facing has brought forward a budget by
Mayor Kenoi which includes significant cuts as well as proposed real property tax increases.
I am sure that you are aware that I have been advocating a process that would allow your members the
opportunity to vote to consider delaying the 6% pay increase ($1,512,806.00) and ERS related cost
($298,023.00) to the fiscal year July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012. I request this with a heavy heart. However, the
unprecedented economic times dictates this request.
In trying to have this process take place, I was advised that Mayor Kenoi would have to collaborate with
Governor Lingle and make a formal request to your bargaining unit. Since then, I was advised that the proper
process would be for the Mayor to work directly with the union and provide a supplemental agreement proposal
for your consideration.
My interpretation of section (e) is that it really does not allow the Mayor to present a supplemental agreement
proposal because the proposed terms would extend pass the term of the collective bargaining agreement and my
request would require ratification by your union members. This section essentially ties the hands of the Mayor
and disallows for the consideration of my proposal of delaying the pay increase and related ERS cost through
the supplemental agreement process.
Comm. N9, 7 � � . ISS
Ref. Tot r r 7 (.!'
Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island Ref. Date MAY 19
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Mr. Malani
May 19, 2010
Page 2
I believe that Mayor Kenoi was correct in stating that County employees must be part of the "shared sacrifice"
in addressing the severe revenue shortfall facing the County of Hawaii. As you know Mayor Kenoi
implemented a two -day a month furlough for every Hawaii County employee. I also agree with his assertion
that Police Officers and Firefighters must be exempt from the furloughs to insure continued public safety.
However, my hope is that your union members find it in their hearts to join their fellow County workers in the
shared sacrifice.
I humbly request that the Police Officer's Union consider allowing its members to vote on forgoing the
$1,810,829.00 payment which is scheduled to be included in the 2010 -2011 fiscal budget. The delay would be
for one year, and payments shall be paid and included in the 2011 -2012 budget. Although County government
cannot officially make this request through an approved collective bargaining process, it does not preclude your
union from taking it upon yourselves to allow a vote to take place. If your members allow for this delay it
would profoundly impact our deliberation on the budget. More importantly, this gesture would resonate so
positively with the general public especially during a time of difficult economic challenges. The Mayor has had
to make very difficult decisions regarding this year's budget and the Hawai`i County Council faces a tough
mountain to climb. The Police Officer's support of delaying payments budgeted for 2010 -2011 would be
significant and extremely helpful. I am requesting the same consideration of the Hawai`i County Fire Fighters.
Please keep in mind that June 7, 2010 will be the last day that the Council can deliberate and amend the
Mayor's budget. I apologize for this tight time frame, but I am hopeful that your union will give its Hawaii
County members the opportunity to vote prior to this date so that we can be informed of a decision.
I would like to close by saying thank you for considering this personal request as I feel strongly about allowing
this process to proceed. I know that I speak for the Hawai'i County Council and the people of our County
when I say that we are very proud of the Hawai'i County Police Department.
Thank you once again for your consideration and I look forward to your response.
Warmest Aloha,
DY/bc
Dominic Yag g
Council Mem er
cc: J Yoshimoto, Chair
Members of the Hawai`i County Council