HI SB1078

Makes health benefits plan design and benefits subject to collective bargaining negotiation rather than unilateral board determination across multiple sections of Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 87A.

Extends collective bargaining to long-term care benefits plans, group life insurance benefits, and medical benefits for part-time and temporary employees by amending the relevant statutory definitions and provisions.

Clarifies that arbitration panel decisions on collective bargaining disputes are final and binding, removing a prior provision allowing legislative override of contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Permits negotiation of both the benefits of and amounts of contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, overriding previous restrictions that excluded benefits from negotiation.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.