It was the first negotiation meeting since the start of the strike three and a half weeks ago. Neither side has released information on the new offer.

"We met yesterday. They've been given a proposal," said Lani Yukimura, public affairs officer for the hospital. She confirmed that the new proposal makes no substantive change to the 21 percent pay increase in previous offers, but would not discuss its other features.

Hawai'i Nurses Association attorney Jon Carroll said nurses were to meet at their strike headquarters at 1 p.m. to discuss the offer.

The strike started July 24. Both sides agree that the key remaining issue is a demand by nurses for a clear plan that adjusts staffing based on the number and the condition of patients for whom they care.

The Kaua'i County Council in a special meeting Monday passed a resolution urging negotiations resume and asking Gov. Linda Lingle to "lend her good offices in service of the people of Kaua'i to assist in resolving this critical dispute."