Hotel workers remain on strike after latest offer rejected
HONOLULU — About 2,700 Marriott employees on Oahua and Maui are expected to remain on strike this week after negotiations between the union and Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts failed to result in a deal.
The Unite Here Local 5 union and Kyo-ya are scheduled to return to talks next week.
The nearly 3,000 hotel workers went on strike early last month, seeking higher wages and better benefits.
“We are extremely disappointed that Local 5 leadership rejected our latest offer which would have been the largest increase in compensation for any of the striking markets nationwide,” Kyo-ya said in the statement.
Kyo-ya said its offer would have given employees an increase in combined wages and a workload reduction for housekeepers. Benefits for all active employees and retirees would not have changed.
“Instead of accepting what would have been a fair and generous agreement, Local 5 leadership has elected to keep our employees out of work,” Kyo-ya said.
The union said in a statement that the offer was not enough, but it is hopeful a “true settlement” will be made next week.
“A true settlement offer is one that looks at the true cost of living and working in Hawaii and brings us toward the goal of all workers: ‘One Job Should Be Enough,’” the union said.
Workers need to be paid enough so they only need one job in order support themselves, the union said.
Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts owns the Marriott-managed Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, and Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa.
Officials consider moving Oahu homeless camp inland
HONOLULU — Officials are working on a plan to move a large homeless encampment on Oahu to privately owned land farther inland.
The 270-person camp called Puuhonua o Waianae is currently situated on nearly 20 acres (8 hectares) of state land next to a Waianae boat harbor.
Camp leader Twinkle Borge declined to give specifics about the potential move, saying many details need to be worked out and money needs to be raised.
“We do have a solution,” Borge said.
A move could be facilitated by mid-2019, depending on when and if the details are worked out, she said.
“We’re not leaving one person behind,” Borge said.
State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials have said that the camp might be harming a rare red shrimp and contributing to a spike in vandalism and water usage. They claim it could also be damaging ancient burial sites and old rock walls.
Borge wants the new location to have fresh water, sewage and trash pickup, which would eliminate some of the complaints about the current camp. Officials are also looking to build tiny homes for camp residents.
State lawmakers during the last session debated over $30 million in funding for safe zones for homeless, with some legislators citing Puuohana o Waianae as a potential model. Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell have said they want the zones to provide permanent housing supported by social services.