The House Committee on Higher Education

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

2:02 p.m.,  Room 309

RE: HB 1625, HD1, Relating to The University of Hawai‘i

Attention:    Chair Isaac Choy, Vice Chair Linda Ichiyama and Members of the Committee

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) urges the committee to oppose HB 1625, HD1.  It is a proposal that substantially alters the ability of the University of Hawaii and its faculty members to determine the direction and means to advance research programs.

It inappropriately broadens the scope of legislative oversight to dictate the management of research programs and define the compensation and working conditions of Bargaining Unit 7 members. It’s provisions undermine UHPA as the exclusive bargaining agent and seeks to circumvent to union’s right to negotiate compensation and working conditions.

UHPA urges the Committee to defer this proposed legislation.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristeen Hanselman                                                                                                                                                     Executive Director