Help your Maui colleagues affected by wildfires advocate for fire relief leave from the HIDOE

In the aftermath of deadly wildfires that ripped through the Lahaina community last August, Maui educators are still struggling to find adequate support from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education.

Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association members say they often have to miss work to tend to fire-related activities, such as clearing their land, moving from hotel rooms, filing insurance claims and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, making site visits, etc. Many have already exhausted their sick and personal leave.

In a letter to the HIDOE requesting information, clarification, and modifications for teachers affected by the wildfires, the HSTA asked for the creation of a temporary Fire Relief Leave Bank “into which any BU05 employees may donate sick leave for use by other unit members impacted by the fires. This donation shall not be affected by any previous distribution.”

The HIDOE’s response was, “The Department is not willing to consider these requests at this time.”

This type of leave bank is commonly offered to both private and public sectors after a natural disaster.

HSTA is committed to securing additional leave for its members affected by wildfires and is looking for your help.

How you can help: Sign the petition

The HSTA Maui Chapter is organizing a petition asking HSTA members to say they are willing to support their colleagues who have been affected by the fires and would be willing to donate to a shared Fire Relief Leave Bank.

By signing your name, you pledge that you would be willing to donate one or more leave days to a Fire Relief Leave Bank, should the Board of Education and HIDOE create one.