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Senate committees advance DOH bill to exempt certain positions from civil service
Summary
A joint Senate committee advanced HB 15‑41 after Department of Health witnesses said specialized security and investigator roles require trauma‑informed training; the union HGEA opposed the bill, saying it would erode merit hiring and union protections.
A joint hearing of Senate committees on March 25 advanced HB 15‑41, which would exempt specified positions at the Department of Health from civil service hiring rules. Courtney Matsu, deputy director of the Behavioral Health Administration, told the committees the requested exemptions apply to roles in DDD and the Hawaii State Hospital that require specialized training and experience to serve vulnerable patients; she said all eleven positions the department requested are currently funded and that an earlier on‑site incident prompted the change.
"Each position requires the training, experience and knowledge," Matsu said, arguing that the jobs "are very specific and cannot be appropriately recruited for or compensated under the current structure." She added the positions are intended to ensure quality care and patient safety and that the department would consider moving roles into civil service long term if classification changes were developed.
The Hawaii Government Employees Association testified in opposition. "Exempt employees are considered at will by the state," Nui Sebast said, noting an increase of about 600 exempt positions over six years and warning that the bill would "undermine our civil service system" and reduce rights for union members. "We can consider that union busting," he said, urging lawmakers to protect merit‑based hiring and grievance rights.
Committee members asked whether departments had explored sharing security or investigative responsibilities with other agencies. Matsu said DOH examined options but concluded the roles at an acute care facility require patient‑centered, trauma‑focused training distinct from outside security personnel, and so the department seeks exemption now to hire quickly while working on long‑term classification solutions.
In decision making the chair recommended passing HB 15‑41 with amendments and setting a defective date of Jan. 1, 2050; the committee adopted that recommendation and asked HGEA to propose language for eventual transition of positions into civil service by conference. The committee recorded the recommendation as adopted and the measure was reported out of committee with the adopted amendments.
Next steps: the bill will proceed to further legislative consideration with the adopted committee amendments and the parties invited to work on language to ease any transition to civil service.
