FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 29, 2004

MAYOR RESPONDS TO HGEA ARBITRATION DECISION

             Mayor Jeremy Harris released the following statement after learning of the HGEA arbitration opinion:

             “My administration has said throughout the arbitration process that the City and County of Honolulu cannot afford to fund pay raises at this time.

             “The ruling today would cost the City $6.2 million next year if approved by the legislature and councils.

             “In my opinion, it’s inappropriate to award public employee pay raises at a time when we are raising property tax rates on businesses.

             “It should also be noted that the total increase in the City budget over the past 10 years can be attributed to pay raises given by the City Council. It’s time for fiscal responsibility.”

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