Posted on: Thursday, March 29, 2001

State's contract negotiator likely to keep Cabinet job

By Ronna Bolante
Advertiser Staff Writer

The state's chief negotiator will likely continue as head of the Department of Human Resources Development despite some concerns over the demands of the dual roles.

The Senate Labor Committee yesterday voted to confirm Davis Yogi's appointment as director of human resources development, a position he has occupied since August. The appointment now must be approved by the full Senate.

Yogi was appointed the state's chief negotiator by the governor in 1998, overseeing contract talks with the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly, the Hawai'i State Teachers Association and other public worker unions.

"No one person should be both the chief negotiator . . . and the director of human resources development," UHPA Executive Director J.N. Musto said.

"During a bargaining crisis with public sector unions, the pressure of time is too much for a person with 'other duties.'"

At the hearing, Yogi told committee members that about 70 percent of his time in the past month has been devoted to his role as chief negotiator.

Both HSTA and UHPA have voted to go on strike next Thursday if an agreement with the state is not reached. The unions have been working without a contract since 1999.

Yogi said he has managed to handle the pressure of dual roles with the help of office staff.

"The pressure comes on when you want to make sure that people don't unnecessarily go on strike," Yogi said. "The pressure is to try and make sure that the communications are open, that what you're saying is understood, and I think that's where a lot of the pressure comes. "

Committee Chairman Bob Nakata, D-23rd (Kane'ohe, Kahuku), also said he has reservations about Yogi wearing "two hats."

Gary Rodrigues, United Public Workers statewide director, strongly supported Yogi's confirmation. The state negotiated a groundbreaking contract with UPW last year.

"Now the focus is getting things done," Rodrigues said. "I think Davis is getting the message across because he's not willing to play politics with his decisions."