New Law Expands Pool of Experienced and Qualified Interest Arbitrators

On May 27, 2025, Governor Josh Green signed HB162 HD2 SD1 CD1, Relating to Collective Bargaining, into law as Act 087 (Gov. Msg. No. 1187). This new law authorizes the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board to request a list of five qualified and experienced interest arbitrators, from which parties at impasse under HRS § 89-11(e) shall select a neutral third member and chair of the arbitration panel, from either the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), or a combination of both. Act 087 became effective upon its approval.