FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Hale Nani healthcare workers reach tentative agreement, averting open-ended strike

HONOLULU, HI – Late last night, Hale Nani healthcare workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 (Local 5) reached a tentative agreement with management. With a tentative agreement reached, workers at the Hale Nani Rehab & Nursing Facility will no longer be going on an open-ended strike on Monday, February 23 as previously announced.

Highlights of the tentative agreement includes the restoration of the hours and staffing management cut last year, affordable family healthcare, and significant wage increases.

“We fought hard to reach this tentative agreement and win a contract that provides the staffing we need to take care of our patients, along with the wages and healthcare we need to take care of our families today and tomorrow,” said Gilda Ellazar, Certified Nursing Assistant at Hale Nani. “From rallies outside of the facility to preparing to walk out on strike, our actions and determination paid off.”

“We are thrilled to have reached a tentative agreement on a successor contract that achieves all of our goals. Not only did we secure fair wage increases over the next three years, we were able to preserve affordable medical coverage for our 200 plus members and their families,” said Cade Watanabe, Financial Secretary-Treasurer. “But most importantly, we have agreed on key staffing and workload improvements that will positively impact our members and allow us to better care for and meet the needs of our patients.”

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About UNITE HERE Local 5

Local 5 represents 10,000 workers throughout Hawaii who work in the hospitality, health care and food service industries and is an affiliate of UNITE HERE, an international union that represents over 250,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.unitehere5.org.