Bullying at workplace considered HONOLULU (AP) — Bullying, abuse and verbal harassment in the workplace may cause employees physical and psychological harm. ADVERTISING That’s part of the rationale behind a proposal to make abusive conduct against an employee an occupational
Bullying at workplace considered
HONOLULU (AP) — Bullying, abuse and verbal harassment in the workplace may cause employees physical and psychological harm.
That’s part of the rationale behind a proposal to make abusive conduct against an employee an occupational safety violation. Victims would be eligible for workers’ compensation.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee today will decide whether to send Senate Bill 2487 to the full Senate for approval.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor recently held a hearing on the bill. Two employees testified about the emotional distress they suffered because of an abusive supervisor. Although the employees got a restraining order, the abuse continued for another two years. The National Institute for Occupational Safety defines workplace bullying as intimidation, slandering, social isolation or humiliation by one or more persons against another.
$7.48 million for APEC costs
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii will get $7.48 million from FEMA to help cover some expenses incurred while hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye announced Thursday the money comes from a National Special Security Event grant administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
APEC brought high-profile dignitaries including President Barack Obama and other heads of state to Honolulu in November.
Final costs for hosting APEC in November were calculated earlier this month. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle says the price tag ended up being less than $21 million.
Island Air to add planes, pilots
HONOLULU (AP) — An air carrier that services the Hawaiian islands says it is expanding by adding aircraft to its fleet and hiring more pilots.
Island Air announced Thursday it plans to add three aircraft to its fleet by the end of the year and three more next year. Chief Executive Officer Lesley Kaneshiro says Island Air has recently hired seven new pilots and expects that other employment opportunities will be available.
Refuge has new headquarters
HONOLULU (AP) — Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui has a new 7,500-square-foot building that serves as its headquarters and visitor center.
The new facilities were funded through a $4.9 million grant that was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. They replace offices in a trailer that had previously served as its headquarters. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, who attended grand opening ceremonies Thursday, said the facilities will expand opportunities for visitors, including school groups, to learn about native wildlife.
The roughly 700-acre wetland, established as a refuge in 1992, is home to endangered Hawaiian stilts, Hawaiian coots and the hawksbill turtle.
The refuge is also home to migratory birds from late summer to early spring.
Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
