Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
Perhaps it’s time to dial it down?
In a classic case of overreaching, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker had agreement with public-worker unions to accept cuts in pay and benefits but then went a bridge too far. The law to severely curb collective-bargaining rights has given unions a polling boost in that state, at least.
Although Hawaii’s debate is on a smaller scale, it’s still worth considering how it’s played out in the opposite direction here. The most recent Exhibit A is the action by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1357 in its contract negotiations with Hawaiian Telcom.
Members might not be wowed by 1 percent annual raises and givebacks in health and sick-leave benefits. But considering how health costs are rising nationally — and the fact that companies picking up the full tab for medical premiums are an endangered species — the IBEW seems tone-deaf and unrealistic. And now there are threats of strike during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Could this be another case of overreach?
‘Mighty Mouse’ Owens soaring
Roosevelt High grad and former Hawaii Warrior runback sensation Chad Owens has found a comfortable place in the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, doing what he does best. Last month, he set a professional football record by recording consecutive seasons of at least 3,000 all-purpose yards.
"I just hope I can be a light in some young kid’s eyes knowing you can reach your goals no matter what," Owens says. After a decade in and out of various pro ranks, Owens says he is "where I belong." He turned away from a chance to try out this year with the New York Jets and does not place an NFL tryout among his priorities.