FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    June 22, 2006

Release M-69-06

MAYOR’S STATEMENT ON

HANDI-VAN LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today issued a statement regarding the tentative labor agreement between Oahu Transit Services, Inc., the City’s contractor for bus and handi-van transportation, and the Hawaii Teamsters, which represents the company’s employees:

            “I’m relieved that Oahu Transit Services and the Teamsters have reached a tentative settlement and will avert a disruption in service for the elderly, disabled, and many others who depend on TheHandi-van for their daily transportation needs.

            “OTS head Roger Morton and Teamsters chief Mel Kahale and their respective negotiating teams deserve the credit for their willingness to engage in good-faith bargaining and compromise.  The result should be uninterrupted service and a reassured ridership.”

-30-

Contact:

Gregg Hirata, Mayor’s Office, 523-4051