By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii Bureau
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Eagle News) – Various groups openly expressed opposition a day after Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on Wednesday, April 15, his proposal to cut budgets and salaries by as much as 20% to support his administration’s efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
“Let me be very frank with you, due to this crisis, the main sources of state revenue have been drastically reduced. And state government needs to look very different going forward,” Ige said. “I have begun initial conversations with the Legislature and the unions that represent you, but no decisions have been made yet. These discussions are ongoing and we will keep you informed and updated on what this means for you in the days to come.”
Members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA), which represents 13,700 public school teachers statewide, held a virtual news conference to push back on and offer alternatives to Ige’s initial plans to cut salaries for educators and other public employees in the state.
“Hawaii already has a shortage of over 1,000 teachers. If we cut teachers’ salaries, that will force teachers to retire and our brand-new teachers to leave,” HSTA President Corey Rosenlee stressed.
“The state already has over a billion dollars in its cash surplus and its rainy day fund. Governor, it’s raining,” Rosenlee added. “There may be a time when we have to look at budget cuts, and teachers are willing to work with you, but a rash decision can have devastating results.”
In a joint statement State Senate President Ron Kouchi, Democrat representing Kauai and Niihau Islands, and State House Speaker Scott Saiki, Democrat representing parts of Honolulu, expressed their disagreement with the Democratic governor while acknowledging he has “the unilateral authority to impose furloughs and salary cuts.” They also urged Ige “to obtain better data and analysis before he makes this decision.”
Representing the opposition, State legislator Gene Ward (Republican representing parts of East Oahu) stated, “Pay cuts to teachers and first responders, including our healthcare workers, is cruel and unusual punishment.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ige and other state governors are awaiting a response from Congress on their request for $500 billion to the 50 states, in addition to the $2 trillion stimulus package that was passed in late March, so as to stabilize state budgets due to tax revenue shortfalls. The State of Hawaii is currently lobbying for at least $1.5 billion.
(Eagle News Service)