Audit of UPW spotlights ‘excessive spending,’ lack of transparency
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - An audit of one of Hawaii’s most influential unions showed “excessive spending” and a lack of transparency.
The 25-page audit of the United Public Workers, which has 13,000 members in Hawaii, was conducted by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
It reviewed documents between 2017 and 2019.
Auditors found hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of travel, meals, and other payments that were not documented with receipts.
The union also spent more than $5.6 million in union dues on legal fees over two and a half years.
The report cited staffing problems and an outdated accounting system.
In response, union leaders promised to improve their system and meet the federation’s standards.
This story may be updated.
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