HI HR28

Legislative Reference Bureau is urged to conduct a study on the economic, social, and fiscal impact of the Kapiolani Hospital nurses strike and lockout, including costs to taxpayers, families, and safety.

Kapiolani Medical Center locked out more than 600 nurses on September 14, 2024, following a one-day strike, with the lockout lasting 22 days.

Context: 14,545 licensed registered nurses work in Hawaii, with 48 percent employed in hospital settings; nurses reported understaffing, over-scheduling, and excessive patient assignments leading to burnout.

Nurses approved a new contract on October 2, 2024, that limits patients per nurse and increases pay with an average annual raise of 3.5 percent over four years.

Legislative Reference Bureau must publish findings and provide report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.