Informing the Legislature that on May 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB162 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 087).

HB162, signed into law on May 27, 2025, establishes a two-step process for resolving deadlocks in public sector collective bargaining in Hawaii. After an impasse occurs, mediation must be initiated within 20 days, with a neutral mediator appointed by the board. If unresolved after 20 days, the dispute moves to a three-member arbitration panel: two members are chosen by the employer and union, and the third neutral member is selected by mutual agreement (or by a neutral service if agreement fails). This applies to specific public employee groups, including firefighters, police, state and county workers, and education staff covered under Hawaii's collective bargaining law.