Despite union opposition nominee to lead Hawaiis prisons passes committee hearing

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A contentious confirmation hearing was held Wednesday, April 5 for another one of Governor Josh Green’s cabinet members. The key legislative committee recommended the approval of Tommy Johnson to lead the Department of Public Safety, despite strong opposition from the union representing prison guards. The union has raised concerns about long shift times due to short staffing dating back years. In response, Johnson acknowledged a staffing problem involving ACOs calling out on sick or family leave. However, he noted that he had increased recruitment hirings by 50%t to address the issue. During the hearing, an OCCC staff…