Gov. Abercrombie weighs in on strike; taking care of public needs

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=14195132

Updated: Mar 05, 2011 7:21 PM CST

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Governor Abercrombie weighed in on the electrical workers' strike on Saturday morning.

He then released the following statement:

"State Civil Defense and my office are closely monitoring the power outages and all efforts to restore power and repair fallen utility poles. I appreciate the hard work of those who are lending a hand, helping their neighbors and putting people's safety and comfort first.

"Yesterday I made it clear to both sides of this private labor dispute, and it bears repeating, that the electric company is a public utility. Their first obligation is to take care of the public. Once that is accomplished, the parties can address their labor situation, which needs to be dealt with right away. This is not a time for grandstanding by anyone."