Government officials fear a bill sitting on Gov. Ige’s desk will strip them of their ability to tell their employees what to do without union interference.

The current teacher contract negotiations invoke memories of 2001, the last time teachers went on strike.

The unprecedented move of releasing the union’s negotiating positions — and the state’s pay offer — brings a new level of transparency.

Through endorsements and contributions, United Public Workers backed old-guard candidates and others who challenged current leadership.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association did well backing Democratic incumbents, but got mixed results in other races.

The state pension system is concerned about the effects of a plan to give certain hospital employees special retirement benefits.

The Hawaii Legislature met for three days to override the governor’s veto of the Maui hospitals employee bill.

UPDATED: The Legislature plans to amend the vetoed measure next week to provide severance pay to unionized workers, address legal flaws in the legislation and honor union contracts.

UPDATED: Gov. Ige has said he might veto a current aid bill, calling $40 million in severance or pension bonuses to public employees “too generous.”

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers wants more control over rules for the cameras, which are meant to improve accountability and transparency.