Hawaii Hospital Nurse Lockout Escalates with Arrests

Ten individuals, including a state lawmaker, were arrested during protests over the lockout of more than 600 unionized nurses at Kapi’olani Medical Center.

The lockout follows a one-day strike by nurses seeking safer nurse-patient ratios.
Protesters, including recently elected state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, were arrested for blocking the hospital driveway.
The hospital continues to operate with temporary out-of-state nurses amid ongoing contract negotiations.
The contract between the hospital and the nurses expired last year, leading to increased tensions.
Hospital officials emphasize the need to maintain open access to the medical center for patient care.