HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii teachers marched to the state Capitol to call for better pay.
They rallied Monday while the union is in the midst of contract negotiations with the state.
Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee said insufficient funding has led to a teacher shortage. He said Hawaii teachers are the lowest-paid in the nation when cost of living is considered.
“It’s our responsibility as a community to come together and fight for our keiki to make education a priority,” Rosenlee said. “Instead of just talking about the inadequacy of our school system, we have come up with attainable solutions. Our plan will give all children the quality education they deserve.”
Teachers are also pushing legislation to change the tax code and direct more money to public schools. They want to create an education surcharge on residential investment properties such as second homes.
Critics such as the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce said it would be unfair to levy a surcharge on some residents and not others. They also said the tax would probably get passed on to renters.