Even when you are retired, you still need a union ­- to protect your public pension, to improve your retirement benefits, and to help elect government officials who understand the needs of retired public employees. That is why HGEA established the Retirees Unit and why we're urging you to join our ranks when you retire!

Why should I join?

The HGEA Retirees Unit is composed of over 9,000 retired county and state government employees. As the largest government retirees organization in the state, we are affiliated with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), our "watchdog" at the Federal level. Together we lobby Congress, appeal to state legislators and even fight City Hall, in the effort to preserve and enhance our social security, pension and health care benefits. We also encourage all willing members to get involved with the political campaigns of candidates that are endorsed by HGEA, as they will fight to ensure our hard-earned retirement.

How does it work?

The Unit is organized as a representational form of government on both island and state levels. Each island elects officers and appoints committee chairpersons to plan and conduct activities for their specific island chapter. All four chapter Presidents sit on the Retirees’ State Board of Directors, along with 10 other elected members (Oahu-6, Hawaii-2, Maui-1 and Kauai-1).

The Retiree Biennial Assembly allows members statewide to meet every two years, to act on resolutions that guide the Unit and its officers. During the assembly, a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected from among the fourteen board members, each serving a two year term (no term limits). The Retiree State Board of Directors is responsible for policy decisions affecting the organization, they ensure proper execution of the bylaws and also recommend the appointment of the Executive Secretary. In addition, the Retirees President sits on the HGEA State Board of Directors and has a vote on issues/concerns that affect all HGEA members statewide.

What are the benefits?

Besides knowing that you are helping to ensure your retirement security, there are also many other great benefits that come with joining the Retirees Unit. Members can participate in various HGEA recreational, social and educational activities. These include bowling leagues, bingo day, poker & golf tournaments, line dancing/crafting/cooking classes, retirement seminars and much, much more! You can also take advantage of the numerous HGEA discounts and benefits we offer members, including continued insurance coverage, restaurant/retail discounts, health/professional services, etc! And to find out what’s happening within the Retirees Unit statewide, look no further than the “Ho’olaha” - a bi-monthly newsletter that is mailed to our membership statewide, as well as to members living on the mainland.

How do I join?

So enjoy the fellowship of getting together with other Retirees! Get a chance to meet & greet your Legislators! Learn a new skill or use your current experience to run for a unit office or serve on a committee! There is so much you can do as an HGEA Retiree member so sign up today!

The membership monthly dues are:
- $4.00 for retirees under 75 years old
- $3.00 for retirees 75 years and older & spouses

Ho'olaha Newsletter

Click here for the March-April 2013 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the January-February 2013 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the November-December 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the September-October 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the July-August 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the May-June 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the March-April 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the January-February 2012 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the November-December 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the September-October 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the July-August 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the May-June 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the March-April 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the January-February 2011 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the November-December 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the September-October 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the July-August 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the May-June 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the March-April 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the January-February 2010 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the November-December 2009 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the September-October 2009 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the July-August 2009 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the May-June 2009 Ho'olaha.

Click here for the March-April 2009 Ho'olaha.

Click for the January-February 2009 Ho'olaha.

For more information about the Retirees Unit, click here [PDF] and call your local HGEA office.