HSTA requests clarification from schools superintendent on leave process

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association has requested clarification on how public school educators can utilize the two additional days off recently announced by Gov. Josh Green.

Last week, the governor released a memo that said: “In recognition of the loyal and faithful service of our public employees and in keeping with the holiday season, I am authorizing department heads to grant all salaried employees sixteen (16) hours administrative leave. Employees who can be spared from their duties shall be allowed a full day of administrative leave on December 23 and December 30, 2022.”

Following Green’s announcement, Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi issued a similar memo with instructions on how employees can utilize the leave.

All Bargaining Unit 05 members are salaried employees and therefore eligible for the additional administrative leave granted by the governor. However, Dec. 23 and 30 fall during winter break, which are already designated and scheduled as vacation days under HSTA’s contract.

Both memos stated that all state salaried employees who are on vacation or sick leave on those days will be charged administrative leave instead. Therefore, HSTA has requested that the superintendent clarify if teachers need to reschedule an administrative leave day or receive credit for the vacation day.

As soon as we have more information, we will share it with members.