HONOLULU -- Public school teachers and students had Friday off because it is the first of 17 furlough days, but schools like Noelani Elementary School in Manoa were not deserted.

Members of the United Public Workers union, like the custodians and cafeteria staff, had to show up for work and did things they cannot do when school is normally in session, like paint.

The union representing the blue-collar workers is still in contract negotiations with the state and members said they are in a wait-and-see mode.

"It depends if the UPW settles. If they settle, if they not, we got a lot of projects we can do around the school," Noelani Elementary School head custodian Elizabeth Kaupaka said.

"You guys miss the kids though?" KITV reporter Dan Meisenzahl asked.

"Sure. Yeah, it's really sad. The kids are supposed to be in school," Kaupaka said.

Early this month, Gov. Linda Lingle said that no progress has been made in the contract talks with the UPW.