Jun. 27—A former COVID-19-era epidemiological specialist who was fired from the state Health Department after saying "contact tracers " were woefully understaffed and overworked under dangerous conditions faces an arbitration hearing in July, followed by a possible trial over her lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
A former COVID-19-era epidemiological specialist who was fired from the state Health Department after saying "contact tracers " were woefully understaffed and overworked under dangerous conditions faces an arbitration hearing in July, followed by a possible trial over her lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
Jennifer Smith, who is asserting whistleblower protection, sued the state after she was fired in 2021 after the Health Department claimed she posted inappropriate messages on social media and released confidential information, which Smith denies.
She currently lives in Texas and is working as a consultant, although she would not provide further details. Her arbitration is supported by the Hawaii Government Employees Association. She said she doesn't plan to move back to Hawaii, but is required to appear in person for arbitration, which she said is scheduled to begin July 25.
Smith said the Attorney General's Office last week sent her an "insulting " settlement offer.
Dave Day, spokesperson for the state Attorney General Department, wrote in an email to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, "Because this involves a personnel matter, the Department of the Attorney...
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