STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2696

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2115

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2115, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend collective bargaining negotiation procedures.

Specifically, this measure temporarily:

(1) Establishes a procedure for selecting an arbitrator if there is an impasse on the repricing of classes within an applicable bargaining unit, and specifies the arbitration process to be followed; and

(2) Repeals the existing procedure for addressing an impasse on the repricing of classes.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii State Teachers Association; and Hawaii Government Employees Association.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Human Resources of the County of Hawaii, and Department of Human Resources of the City and County of Honolulu.

Your Committee finds that the current impasse process for the repricing of classes is complex and lengthy, sometimes taking years to resolve. This measure provides a streamlined process with strict deadlines that can help to establish fair compensation amounts for bargaining unit members in a timely manner.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2115, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair