Union workers and others will be allowed to leaflet, picket and demonstrate on the sidewalks of Kalia, Maluhia and Dudley roads and in the park areas of Fort DeRussy, a judge ruled.

A suit filed by union members alleged that Hale Koa Hotel management threatened four union representatives with physical force and arrest when they distributed leaflets to off-duty hotel union workers on a Fort DeRussy sidewalk in July.

The U.S. Army, which owns and operates the hotel, and hotel workers union UNITE HERE Local 5 settled the suit, Local 5 said.

The union argued that the Local 5 representatives' free speech rights were violated.

A consent decree signed by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway last month allows leafletting, picketing and demonstrations in the park and nearby sidewalks.

Contract negotiations between Local 5 and Hale Koa are scheduled to begin Jan. 10. The union represents Hale Koa's housekeeping and food and beverage employees.

Hale Koa officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.