An unidentified state worker holds a sign encouraging unity among unionized state workers. Photo: Liza Simon

Compiled by Liza Simon / Ka Wai Ola Loa

As of press time, negotiations over a possible state worker furlough plan were ongoing. The Governor's plan to close the state's estimated $786 million biennium budget deficit by savings made from furloughing state workers without pay for three days a month ran into vigorous opposition by state worker unions.

On July 2, a state circuit court judge halted the plan by ordering the Governor to first negotiate with the unions.

The labor unions' latest formal offer, made on July 13, was to take a 5 percent pay cut, much less than the 13.8% that the state would save with the governor's proposed furloughs. As of press time, negotiations were ongoing.

Meanwhile, on June 30, members of public unions flooded the Capitol to protest the Governor's plan as an unfair singling out of public workers. In the crowd were Kanaka Maoli state employees representing a diverse array of public sector jobs.

KWOL asked the question: What are you doing with your 'ohana to prepare for a possible salary or job cut?

Cheryl Ah Nee. - Photo: Liza Simon

Cheryl Ah Nee
Kapolei
Teacher's Assistant

I am born and raised in Hawaiʻi and live on homestead land. With furloughs, my only plan is to move away to find a better job situation. I never thought this way before. I don't want to lose what I have, but I could not afford to stay where I am with the furloughs.

Ida Lyn. - Photo: Liza Simon

Ida Lyn
Pauoa Valley
Librarian

I had already signed up for Social Security because I am about to retire. But I already have savings, because I have four in family. We all work hard and conserve. But I am here today to support the young people just starting out.

Matea Bailey-Aloalo. - Photo: Liza Simon

Matea Bailey-Aloalo
Nānākuli
Custodian

I have a family that is counting on my job, so I just hope that for me nothing changes. My wife was laid off by the airlines, so she is sending out resumes and looking for work.

Nelson Sagum. - Photo: Liza Simon

Nelson Sagum
East Honolulu
Engineer

I am trying to re-finance my home. I have a home and an apartment, too. It's really kind of easy, so I would advise a lot of people to do it, too. But I can see where it's tough for some people. Some move back in with parents. It's tougher all over for families.

Iris Kahaulelio. - Photo: Liza Simon

Iris Kahaulelio
Waialua
Teacher

Two things I am doing are re-financing my home and bringing down the cost of insurance premiums for my car. At home we are also cutting out the extra stuff we used to do like renting a lot of DVDs.