HONOLULU -- Another session of negotiations has wrapped up regarding, among other things, the planned state furloughs.

The state negotiator said there is some progress in talks with four public sector unions, and the federal mediator is hoping to bridge the gap.

But the HGEA's executive director Randy Perreira would not confirm that.

The governor is looking to slash $688 million in state spending. She's proposed a furlough of three days a month for state workers.

Although the DOE is not subject to the furloughs, it must still cut the equivalent of that from its budget.

The HGEA, HSTA, UPW and UHPA all said they're optimistic they'll resolve this budget crisis before the July 1 deadline as long as all sides continue talking.

They have not yet scheduled their next negotiating session.