State responds to teachers' contract questions

By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer

State negotiator Davis Yogi late yesterday sent the teachers union written answers to questions about the state's proposals to settle disagreements over its proposed new contract.

Union leaders, attending a marathon Board of Education meeting last night on whether "creationism" should be taught here, said they would not be able to comment at least until they read Yogi's letter today.

Gov. Ben Cayetano and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association disagree whether 3 percent bonuses for teachers with advanced and professional degrees were meant to be for one or two years of the contract.

The dispute has delayed the signing of the contract.

Yogi said the teachers could accept the remaining parts of the contract, providing for 16 percent raises and the $1,100 retention bonuses they were to receive after their strike ended, and defer a decision on the areas still being discussed.

Union Executive Director Joan Husted said the leadership plans to meet with staff today and then with members across the state Monday.

The union's board is scheduled to meet Aug. 11 to consider whether it should recommend a new strike, take the issue to court, or accept a negotiated resolution with the state.

Reach Walter Wright at wwright@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.