2001 legislative session stunned public workers
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Capitol Bureau Chief
Ending a session that will be defined by a surprising swipe at public workers unions, the Legislature adjourned yesterday, but the Senate president conceded that next year they may amend a critical measure that overhauls the public employee health fund.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
Senate President Robert Bunda said he's willing to work with public worker unions to alter what he called "monumental" legislation that has both stunned and angered the unions.
Members of the State House of Representatives clasped hands and held them high yesterday as they sang "Hawaii Aloha" at the closing session of the 2001 Legislature. See story.
"I think we should have some dialogue with the unions between now and the next session," Bunda said. "Perhaps we can work with them and come up with probably a better bill."
Gov. Ben Cayetano canceled a public ceremony to sign the health fund measure and another on privatization, and Bunda said that was to avoid "rubbing salt into the wounds" of public employee union leaders who worked to kill the bills.
Cayetano signed both bills yesterday.
Under the health fund measure, unions are required to negotiate with the state and counties to determine how much government will contribute for employee health benefits.
The bill would also eliminate union-sponsored health plans that are now paid for out of the health fund.
