Editor’s note: The following statement was issued to KITV in response to Gov. David Ige’s announcement that he was calling off state furloughs and layoffs after President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion COVI-19 relief bill:

“The University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly acknowledges Governor Ige’s press release and decision to call-off layoffs and furloughs for the foreseeable future due to the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. With that major distraction and focal point of anxiety and confusion behind us, UHPA looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration with the Governor, the UH, and our political leaders to push forward and help with our state’s economic recovery.”

Christian Fern
Executive Director
University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly