Hawaii House Bill HCR29

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Economic, Social, And Fiscal Impact Of The Kapiolani Hospital Nurses Strike And Lockout To The State.

Impact

If enacted, HCR29 could lead to essential findings regarding the costs incurred by the state due to the strike and lockout, which have yet to be quantified. The resolution aims to bring accountability and awareness of the effects on taxpayers, families, and overall safety in healthcare settings. It is notable that the resolution requests the report to be submitted before the 2026 Regular Session, suggesting urgency in understanding these impacts to inform future legislative actions regarding healthcare labor relations and hospital staffing policies.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 29 (HCR29) was introduced to urge the Legislative Reference Bureau of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive study on the economic, social, and fiscal impacts stemming from the Kapiolani Hospital nurses strike and subsequent lockout that occurred in September 2024. The resolution highlights that more than 600 nurses were subjected to a lockout following a one-day strike, which significantly impacted staffing ratios and patient care at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. It outlines the concerns related to the nursing workforce, including high burnout rates due to understaffing and an increased patient load.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HCR29 may reveal a broader contention in the healthcare sector regarding labor practices, staffing, and the conditions under which healthcare professionals operate. This bill indicates a recognition of the challenges faced by nurses in Hawaii, particularly in terms of working conditions and their impacts on healthcare delivery. By investigating the strike's consequences, the resolution could serve as a catalyst for legislative reforms aimed at improving labor conditions for nurses and ensuring adequate care for patients.