Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released the following statement Saturday on contract negotiations with the Hawaii State Teachers Association:

“From the beginning of our Administration, we have made it known that we can live within our fiscal constraints if all public employees make a shared sacrifice of a 5 percent pay reduction and equal employer-employee contributions for health care benefits.

“Our last, best and final offer to the Hawaii State Teachers Association meets those targets while maintaining instructional time for students. I hope teachers will be given the opportunity to vote on the proposal so we all can move the focus to preparing for the new school year and giving our children the best possible education.”

The contract for about 12,700 public school teachers expires at the end of June.

The state Department of Education made its “last, best and final offer” to HSTA after several rounds of negotiation failed to find an agreement.

The DOE offer, made Friday, includes a 1.5 percent salary cut and also slashes pay for some non-instructional days. In total, that would equal a 5 percent salary reduction.

The offer also includes a 50-50 employer-employee contribution for health care benefits and more preparation time for teachers.

“The Hawaii State Board of Education and Department of Education remain committed to no reduction in student instructional days and continued support of our teachers in their vital role in student achievement,” Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said.

HSTA leaders expressed disappointment in the offer, preferring to continue bargaining.