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STATEMENT: Hawaii State Hospital employees warned lawmakers about Hale Ho‘ola defects.

February 21, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement From HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira

HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES WARNED LAWMAKERS ABOUT HALE HO‘OLA DEFECTS

We’re surprised by how much lawmakers are shocked by the shoddy construction of Hale Hoʻola at Hawaii State Hospital. It’s not like our members – the men and women employed by the state facility – didn’t tell lawmakers about the design flaws, slapdash construction and safety defects early on. They did. Still, lawmakers insisted that the facility be occupied. Moral of the story? Listen to your employees. These healthcare professionals heroically show up every day, even under appalling circumstances, with the best interest of their patients in mind. When they tell you there’s a problem, take them seriously. Their input could have saved taxpayers nearly $40 million.

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Media Contacts:

Malulani Moreno
Communications Manager
(808) 543-0024
mmoreno@hgea.org

Kristina Lum
Senior Communications Specialist
(808) 543-0063
klum@hgea.org

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