HSTA president says suspension of Chapter 89 sets dangerous precedent
Join us for sign-waving on Wednesday, Oct. 20, as we send the message to the HIDOE and the BOE that we have a right to bargain for the safety of our schools.
HIDOE takes no action on pandemic grievances, citing suspension of collective bargaining law
The Hawaii State Department of Education has notified the Hawaii State Teachers Association that it will “take no further action” on two class grievances over unsafe working conditions and the state’s mandate that unvaccinated education employees be tested for COVID-19 weekly, citing the suspension of parts of Hawaii’s collective bargaining law because of the pandemic.
Central Oahu educators call for strong, consistent health protocols
“We're here to help our students learn. We are here. We are in the classrooms, and we really want to ensure all classrooms are safe for everyone, including the families and the community,” said Berta Akiu, a special education second- and third-grade teacher at Mokulele Elementary who also serves as HSTA Central Chapter president.
Kauai educators concerned about uneven pandemic policies raise new concerns
More than 150 teachers from schools on Kauai took part in informational sign-waving before and after classes Tuesday, raising health concerns about a lack of consistent COVID-19 protocols, pressure to not report positive cases, and persistent staffing shortages that have forced the highest-ranking public school official on the Garden Island to fill in as a substitute
East Hawaii educators picket for school safety
Teachers from all around East Hawaii conducted informational picketing late Friday afternoon outside the State Office Building in Hilo, raising concerns about a lack of uniform health protocols in public schools.
HSTA FAQs on governor’s vaccine, testing emergency proclamation
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the governor’s emergency proclamation that requires state and county employees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit regular test results.
Maui educators speak out asking for consistent COVID-19 protocols, widespread testing
Dozens of educators conducted informational picketing outside of Maui Waena Intermediate School, Maui High School and Kahului Elementary before school started Tuesday morning, chastising the Hawaii State Department of Education for failing to negotiate important safety protocols with the Hawaii State Teachers Association while slowly beginning school COVID-19 testing weeks into the school year.
Honolulu educators urge BOE to direct negotiations for consistent health, safety protocols
Dozens of educators gathered Wednesday afternoon in front of the Queen Liliuokalani Building in downtown Honolulu to raise concerns over inadequate COVID-19 response in schools.
HIDOE, DOH haven’t discussed student vaccine mandate yet
Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi of the Hawaii State Department of Education came under fire Thursday for haphazard COVID-19 testing in public schools and said he had not held discussions yet with state health officials about a possible vaccination mandate for public school students age 12 and older.
Hundreds of Leeward teachers raise concerns over lack of consistent safety protocols
About 200 Leeward Oahu educators conducted socially distanced information picketing Tuesday afternoon to raise concerns about a lack of consistent safety protocols and an agreement which would enforce safe practices to keep students, school staff and the community safer during the pandemic. Public school teachers across the state will hold similar informational pickets in the coming days and weeks.