Aloha,

Yesterday, Kapiolani Medical Center and the Hawaii Nurses’ Association reached a contract agreement with the encouragement and support of Governor Josh Green.

“I'm very pleased that the nurses and leaders at Kapiolani have reached an agreement that will get them back to work caring for patients,” Governor Green said. “Our nurses are incredible and our hospitals are top notch — they are an ohana, and will be working together forever.”  

Last week, Governor Green and Attorney General Anne Lopez sent letters to Kapiolani executives and HNA leaders urging them to work with federal mediators to help break the negotiation stalemate.

The governor asked that, as gestures of goodwill, Kapiolani extend health benefits for union nurses beyond the end of September, and HNA ensure no services would be disrupted.

After both sides agreed to the governor’s recommendation, federal mediators rejoined the talks — leading to yesterday’s breakthrough agreement.

Members of the nurses’ union voted to ratify the contract yesterday, and are expected to return to work as soon as Sunday.

Governor Green praised the resolution, pledging continued support for Hawaii’s nurses and hospitals.

“We will continue to find ways to repay nursing education debt,” Josh said, “and invest in our hospitals by funding improvements to their facilities so that the people of Hawaii receive the best healthcare in the country.”

If you support Josh’s efforts to strengthen Hawaii’s healthcare system and provide care for everyone in our state, please chip in a donation today.

Thank you for supporting Josh and for being part of Team Green.

Mahalo,

Team Green