MEDIA RELEASE

On the evening of Aug. 6, the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) sent a letter to Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Abercrombie, Schools Superintendent Kathy Matayoshi and Board of Education Chairman Don Horner issued the following statement Monday:

“Since negotiations with Hawaii State Teachers Association began last fall, we have been committed to finding a way forward. This included offering mediation, which was turned down by HSTA negotiators.

“Negotiations via the media are not productive. The HSTA filed its complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB) and we respect that process. We continue to be open to mediation through HLRB.

“It should be made clear that mediation is different from arbitration. Arbitration, which we have never offered, is not included in Hawaii’s statutory collective bargaining process with the HSTA.

“Our focus remains on supporting students, teachers, parents, principals and staff to move public education forward.”