With no imminent resolution to labor talks, Gov. Linda Lingle will travel to Idaho this weekend for a Republican Governors Association meeting and then take personal time on the Mainland next week.

The governor's staff said Lingle will monitor any labor developments and that her chief negotiator, Marie Laderta, the director of the state Department of Human Resources Development, can handle any new labor talks.

Lingle said on Tuesday that she was surprised by the slow pace of the negotiations as the state and two unions, the Hawai'i Government Employees Association and United Public Workers' public-safety units, move toward binding arbitration.

The Lingle administration clarified yesterday that it submitted its final written position to an arbitration panel for UPW by Tuesday's deadline. The state and the HGEA asked for an extension until Monday on final offers.

A Lingle spokesman had said on Tuesday that the administration submitted its final position but did not distinguish between the two unions, and union leaders could not be reached for comment.

Arbitration hearings are scheduled for September, with a final decision by the panel set for late December.

The state and the unions, however, could settle on new contracts at any time.

"It's always possible," said Jodi Chai, HGEA communications officer. "We're open to continuing negotiations throughout the arbitration process."

The governor's staff said Lingle will take vacation days today and tomorrow and that no government money will be used for her Republican Governors Association trip. The governor, her staff said, will pay for her travel, accommodations and expenses during her personal time next week.