STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1074

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 785

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 785, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the scope of collective bargaining negotiations to include benefits related to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

The measure also allows employers and exclusive representatives to resolve disputes over health benefits and contribution amounts through binding arbitration.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association and Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that this measure is part of a larger effort to reform the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to make health benefits more affordable and flexible for employees.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 785, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair