HONOLULU -- An art teacher from Kalani High School used his creative side to protest changes to teachers' pay as he marched in front of the state Capitol on Thursday.

This summer, teachers started paying a larger percentage of their medical coverage.

John Nippolt said he was told the payments would increase to 50 percent from 40 percent. However, in reality, he said his payments went from $87 every check to $184.

He is upset not only about the increase in teachers' medical payments but also the way the union handled the changes in their contract.

"No teacher, no professional would ratify a 120 percent increase in pay for medical. That is why they didn't do this," Nippolt said.

In addition to carrying a sign and covering his face in protest, he also cut up his shorts -- to show the big bites the changes were making to teachers' pay, Nippolt said.

Hawaii public schools that are not in year-round classes return on Monday.