Senate Committee defers bill defining ironworkers' role in dismantling after union disputes

The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology on Feb. 10 deferred Senate Bill 136, a proposal that would define ironworkers' responsibilities for dismantling and related work.

Supporters, including representatives of the Ironworkers Stabilization Fund, told the committee the bill is aimed at safety and protecting skilled craftsmen. Dwayne Bautista of the Ironworkers Stabilization Fund testified, “All we're asking is make sure that the iron workers, if we’re putting it up and then we’re dismantling it or disassemble, save it for a later date.” Cliff Laboy, also testifying for the ironworkers, said the measure is “about health and safety,” and described the trade's multi‑year training.

Opponents from other trades said the bill, as drafted, is too broad and could create long‑term statutory jurisdictional disputes. Emmanuel Ziwakalam, representing Laborers International Union, said the measure “steps into the jurisdiction, especially in the dismantling space,” and that placing trade definitions in statute could put other trades at risk of losing work.

Senators pressed parties to consider either an omnibus approach including all trades or more narrowly worded amendments. The director for the Department of Labor indicated the department had not submitted written testimony and was not prepared to identify an existing comparable HRS (Hawaii Revised Statutes) section that would mirror the proposal.

After deliberation, the committee recommended deferring SB 136 indefinitely to allow stakeholders time to negotiate a broader approach that addresses safety and jurisdictional concerns.