UH workers to vote on contract

The Hawaii Government Employees Association unit that represents white-collar workers at the University of Hawaii has reached a tentative agreement with the state on a new two-year contract.

The deal includes roughly 4 percent annual pay raises. Workers would pay a 40 percent share of their health insurance premiums, down from 50 percent.

The unit, which represents about 2,350 university employees, has scheduled a ratification vote for today in the hopes that money for the contract can be reflected in the state budget and financial plan.

The agreement was finalized Wednesday. Three other HGEA units reached similar agreements with the state last week.

Family at odds over care of 2-year-old boy

Hawaii County police on Wednesday charged the 53-year-old grandmother and 25-year-old father of a toddler with keeping the child from his mother.

Police charged Katherine Ruth Hunter and Noah Sanchez with custodial interference. Their bail was set at $2,000 and $10,000, respectively. They are scheduled to make an initial court appearance today.

Police said the 2-year-old Lanai boy was found unharmed with Sanchez and Hunter in the Leilani Estates subdivision Tuesday and was reunited with his mother at the Hilo police station that evening.

Police said Hunter took her grandson from his home on Lanai to Hawaii island on March 5 for what was to have been a five-day visit. The child’s 22-year-old mother, who is his legal custodian, gave Hunter permission, police said. Hunter later refused to return the child to his mother, police said.

Kauai County sets auction of foreclosed land

Kauai County will hold its annual auction of foreclosed real property at 9 a.m. May 16 at the Lihue Civic Center’s Moikeha Building.

Parcels will be sold to the highest bidder. Payment must be made to the Director of Finance via cash, money order, or cashier’s, certified or traveler’s check.

For more information, go to www.kauai.gov (click on "Headlines") or call the Real Property Tax Collection office at 241-4272.

People who need a sign language interpreter, materials in an alternative format or other support should contact Karen Samiano at 241-4273 or rpc@kauai.gov at least seven days before the event.