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UH students and faculty rally against cuts

By Kristine Uyeno - bio | email

MANOA (KHNL) - Today, University of Hawaii students and faculty members rallied against proposed budget cuts, that would help fill the state's budget gap.

They held a march on the Manoa campus to express their anger and confusion.

They marched in solidarity, fighting for a first-class education.

"No one disputes that the economy in Hawaii is in trouble, but we most certainly reject the notion that a good, short-term strategy is to shortchange education," said Jonathan Osorio, UH Hawaiian Studies professor.

Faculty members say more cuts would hurt a university that's already in need.

"Here at UH, we use all our energy trying to fill the gaps. Trying to keep morale and learning high, when our classes are overcrowded, our technology falters, our library can't subscribe to the journals we need," said Mari Matsuda, UH Law professor.

This comes at a time when thousands of UH union group members are voting on the state's final offer. Workers would face a 5% pay cut through 2011 and would pay $2,400 more in health care premiums.

Students believe they and this school deserve much more.

"It's just kind of sad that it's come down to this, especially when we here, the students value the education," said Natalie Walters, UH student.

The university's union members have until today to vote on the state's final offer and the results are expected to be released Thursday.