MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the Hawaii State Teachers Association’s contention that the state Labor Relations Board (HLRB) is not appropriately handling the case.

The Supreme Court noted the relief requested by HSTA, a petition for a writ of mandamus, is not appropriate in these circumstances.

Last week, the state Ethics Commission dismissed the HSTA’s complaint claiming the state had improperly communicated with the HLRB.

Earlier this month, the HLRB also dismissed one of HSTA’s motions. In its ruling, the HLRB noted the actions of HSTA amounted to “an egregious and reckless disregard for the truth” and “appear intended to mislead the board.”

In response, Gov. Neil Abercrombie released the following statement:

“We respect and support teachers and their contributions. The tactics of the Hawaii State Teachers Association and its attorneys are being rejected across the board by the legal system in every venue. These theatrics serve no public purpose and they undermine the fact that our students are in schools learning and our teachers are in classrooms teaching. We never received any proposed alternatives from HSTA after its board refused to submit our tentative agreement to the membership. It is time to move on.”