Employees at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki have overwhelmingly voted to keep UNITE HERE Local 5 as their union representative.

The 800 hotel workers began voting in August following a move by some employees to decertify Local 5 as their union. The Federal Labor Relations Authority authorized the election after it received a petition signed by more than 30 percent of the hotel's bargaining workers in January.

Yesterday, the FLRA released the results of the vote, which was 350-118 in favor of keeping the union. The results can be appealed by any party to the elections, but both hotel management and the union said yesterday that they did not expect a challenge to the vote.

The Hale Koa is owned and operated by the U.S. Army.

"I'm unaware of any concerns that would be addressed," said general manager John Jefferis.

Jefferis said he was not surprised by the vote.

"Our biggest concern was to have the majority of the employees vote and be heard," he said. "That's exactly what we felt needed to happen, so now we have the results and will move forward."

Union spokesman Cade Watanabe said the election results should help the workers secure a contract with the hotel. No new talks have been scheduled.

"We're optimistic and hopeful that following this election, because it was so significant in favor of Local 5, that it will mark a new relationship between the workers, the union as well as the Hale Koa management team," Watanabe said.

He said the key issues remain wages, working conditions and workload.

Bill Kearsely, a lifeguard at Hale Koa for 12 years, also was pleased with the results.

"The workers have spoken and this vote validates our right for dignity and respect in the workplace," he said.

Because the Hale Koa is a federal property, union membership is optional and workers aren't allowed to go on strike. Watanabe said Local 5 will be working to increase membership from the current 150 who have signed union dues cards.

Hale Koa employees voted in April 2006 to join UNITE HERE Local 5 after being represented by SEIU/NAGE Local 556.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.