HGEA

Year: 2023

  • The Public Employee, Winter 2023

    The Public Employee, Winter 2023

  • HGEA Prevails in Prohibitive Practice Complaint Against Maui Adult Mental Health Division

    A pilot program that would have considerably changed the work responsibilities of our members at Maui Community Mental Health Center’s Adult Mental Health Division was put on pause by the Hawaii Labor Relations Board pending consultation.

    The decision is a major victory for the rights of members in Units 3, 9 and 13 at the facility who, in addition to role changes, would have been forced to work alongside outside contractors.

    “HGEA had to fight for us because we had no voice in the clinic operation, in our teamwork, in anything that we did for the community and for our families we serve,” said Mary Akimo-Luuwai, Human Services Professional V, a Unit 13 member.  “We were standing alone,” she said, drawing an analogy to how helpless Maui residents and the Native Hawaiian community felt during the Kahoolawe bombings.

    HGEA filed a prohibitive practice complaint against the division over its plan to transition the Adult Mental Health Division into a pilot program called Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic stemming from a $4 million federal grant.

    For our members, the facility’s new emphasis would mean their responsibilities would change, especially when it comes to the population of patients they treat. HGEA alleged that DOH failed to consult with the union before forging ahead on their changes.

    Beginning in June, the HGEA Maui Island Division requested consultation with the Maui Adult Mental Health Division pointing out that the changes being imposed by the new model could be possible violations of the respective collective bargaining agreements and state law, particularly Chapter 89.

    Rather than consult, officials from the center made unannounced visits to the HGEA Maui office and later claimed those visits constituted consultation. Information in a Department of Health PowerPoint also gave false impressions about the union’s position. Officials even claimed working conditions hadn’t changed yet admitted that consultation over the conversion of the clinic to a new model would be necessary at some point.

    “If working conditions haven’t changed or wouldn’t change, why was DOH mandating behavioral health training modules geared toward the new model for mental health nurses?” said Maui Island Division Chief Toni Rust. “Nurses were also being told that they will eventually be drawing blood, something that they previously hadn’t done and hadn’t been part of AMHD’s services.”

    In the end, the labor board found that officials failed to meaningfully consult with the union and they did so willfully. The labor board ruled that the division must cease and desist from further implementation of its pilot program until all consultation with HGEA is completed.

    Patricia Codorniz, RN BSN Maui Adult Mental Health Medical Clinical Supervisor, said she is pleased with the outcome, but continues to question whether DOH will follow through.

    “It was important for HGEA to be involved and to fight for members because of the unfavorable working conditions, the changes happening, the possible violations to our contract and impact to community,” said Codorniz, a Unit 9 member. “However, I question that DOH would even comply.”

    Akimo-Luuwai hopes the decision “will help to bring all stakeholders to the table to facilitate conversations so that we can continue to serve the people in our community correctly.”

  • Voices from Maui: HGEA Members Tell Their Stories from the Wildfires

    Voices from Maui: HGEA Members Tell Their Stories from the Wildfires

    HGEA members who experienced the devastations of the Maui wildfires first-hand told their stories in our recent video series Voices from Maui.

    Marianne Wheeler, principal of Kula Elementary School and a Unit 6 member, recounted the chaos that erupted in her small upcountry community when fires contaminated the water supply and affected the operation of her school.

    Jeri Dean, vice principal at King Kekaulike High School and a Unit 6 member, was traveling in Seattle when the fires began and lost her home.

    Ian Barnes, ocean safety officer with Maui County and a Unit 15 member, evacuated to Napili with his two children during the blaze and lost his home.

    “Many of our members have lost their homes, cars and their way of life,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of HGEA. “Our members are the lifeblood of our union, and we want them to know we stand with them as they recover from this tragedy.”

  • HGEA Offers Wildfire Relief for Affected Members

    Following the devastating wildfires that ravaged Lahaina and Kula, the board of directors for the Hawaii Government Employees Association approved the use of $100,000 in relief funds to go to members who were directly impacted.

    Affected members last week began receiving the funds, which amount to $500 for active and retired members and $250 for associate members. The relief program is in addition to support from our affiliate unions. Both the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Employees Lifeline Program and AFSCME’s Fallen Heroes Fund have distributed $250 gift cards to affected union members.

    “Many of our members have lost their homes, cars and their way of life,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of HGEA. “Our members are the lifeblood of our union, and we want them to know we stand with them as they recover from this tragedy.”

    Ginet Hayes, HGEA board president, thanked her fellow board members for their leadership in approving money to be used for wildfire relief.

    “We hope these funds provide a little relief during such a difficult time,” Hayes said.

    Jeri Dean, vice principal at King Kekaulike High School and a Unit 6 member, was traveling in Seattle, taking one of her kids to college, when news came that her beloved town of Lahaina was ablaze.

    “I soon realized the magnitude of the devastation,” said Dean, who lost her home. “My children – thank God – were safe. And fortunately, we were able to tap into home insurance and get access to rental money. But so many are still trying to find housing.”

    Dean said HGEA’s Maui staff reached out immediately, which she valued. “I want to say I appreciate HGEA for seeing us as individuals who need a certain kind of support right now.”

    Impacted Maui members are also invited to “shop” the Maui Island Division office’s store of household goods and supplies, much of which came from donations by AFL-CIO in Los Angeles. If you were impacted and have not filed your request, check your inbox for an email from Toni Rust, Maui island division chief.

    You can help union members on Maui with much-needed assistance. Here’s how:

    Donate to the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program. This fund supports union ohana on Maui with critical emergency assistance. You can make checks payable to the “Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program,” and send to:

    Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Attn: Cathy Lederer
    888 Mililani Street, Suite 501
    Honolulu, HI 96813

    Support AFSCME’s Fallen Heroes Fund. The International Union created the Fallen Heroes Fund to help AFSCME ohana who have suffered losses due to natural disasters. Every donation made will support union members affected by the wildfires. Donate today.

  • Hawaii State Judiciary Honors HGEA Members

    Hawaii State Judiciary Honors HGEA Members

    The Hawaii State Judiciary presented individual and group awards to employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments. The recipients of this year’s awards are:

    Meritorious Service Award

    • Lisa Kimura, court documents supervisor, Unit 4

     

    Group Meritorious Service Award

    • Anthony Cannon, social worker V, Unit 13
    • Garrett Alcott, social worker IV, Unit 13
    • Letty Di Lillo, social worker IV, Unit 13
    • Billie Reeves, social worker IV, Unit 13
    • Blaine Tomita, social worker IV, Unit 13
    • Roberta Uemura, social worker IV, Unit 13

     

     

    Spirit of the Judiciary Award

    • Armon Tavares, substance abuse counselor IV, Unit 13

     

     

    Certificate of Commendation

    • Grayson Hashida, social worker IV, Unit 13

     

     

    Group Certificate of Commendation 

    • Leone Ausage Kahihikolo, judicial clerk II, Unit 3
    • Kiara Goo, court document clerk III, Unit 3
    • Traci Kanaeholo, court document clerk III, Unit 3
    • Malie Ma‘i‘i, court document clerk III, Unit 3
    • Kellie Nagai, judicial clerk I, Unit 3
    • Cindy Ohigashi, judicial clerk II, Unit 3
    • Byron Poy, judicial clerk III, Unit 3
    • Morgan Rogers, judicial clerk II, Unit 3
    • Joyce Rosal, judicial clerk II, Unit 3
    • Katrina Yogi, court document clerk III, Unit 3
    • Mona Daniels, court document clerk III, Unit 3
    • Tumamaopavaiai Enos-Godinez, judicial clerk III, Unit 3
    • Troy Kahai, judicial clerk IV, Unit 3
    • Kiralee Ma-e, judicial clerk I, Unit 3  

     

     

    Award for Suggestions

    • Ernest De Lima, social worker IV, Unit 13

     

    Congratulations to all the recipients for your hard work and dedication to public service. Hawaii works because we do.

  • RELEASE: HGEA Reaches Tentative Agreement on Pay Parity for Educational Assistants, Teaching Assistants and Vice Principals

    RELEASE: HGEA Reaches Tentative Agreement on Pay Parity for Educational Assistants, Teaching Assistants and Vice Principals

    HGEA Makes Progress In Addressing School Employee Parity Pay

    Following our urgent calls on the state to resolve pay equity for school employees, the Hawaii Government Employees Association is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that addresses pay parity for those who help educate and care for Hawaii’s students.

    HGEA would like to thank Gov. Josh Green and Superintendent Keith Hayashi for their willingness to work with us to resolve pay equity among state workers, especially in the state Department of Education.

    “This tentative agreement, pending ratification of our membership, signals to public workers across the state that this administration, unlike its predecessors, desires increased collaboration with public sector unions to make state government work better for the people of Hawaii,” said Randy Perreira, HGEA executive director.

    The issue of pay inequality for school-level personnel intensified with recent pay increases for teachers. HGEA demanded that the governor and superintendent turn their attention to the rest of the team that educates and cares for our children.

    Educational assistants and teaching assistants in our public schools play a critical role in student learning, working side-by-side with classroom teachers, especially with the most vulnerable students. Historically, fewer jobs in the DOE paid lower than EAs, despite the vital nature of their roles.

    “While education officials have acknowledged outrageously low pay and a lack of career ladder for educational assistants since at least 2008, officials consistently failed to address the problem, creating a recruitment and retention crisis that has only deepened over the years,” Perreira said.

    For vice principals, state officials acknowledged that pay bumps for teachers created a situation where some teachers were making more than their supervisors. If the DOE is going to continue to recruit and retain high quality educators to become principals or vice principals, the pay should be competitive enough to entice teachers to leave the classroom to lead their schools.

    The DOE is facing historic staff shortages in critical positions, with nearly 600 educational assistant vacancies and some 160 vice principal positions unfilled. This agreement, which is just a first step to addressing pay disparity, is a move in the right direction toward addressing the recruitment and retention crisis throughout the public schools.

    “Today’s deal represents years of promises that are finally coming to fruition for these dedicated educators. Our work is not yet done, however. The rest of the administrative and support staff in our schools deserve pay parity with their education counterparts, as well, and the Green Administration has signaled a willingness to work with us on this,” Perreira said.

    Hawaii’s students receive quality education in a safe and nurturing environment because a multitude of school-level professionals are on the job. The DOE works because WE do.

    -pau-

    Media Contacts:

    Malulani Moreno
    Communications Manager
    (808) 543-0024
    mmoreno@hgea.org

    Kristina Lum
    Senior Communications Specialist
    (808) 543-0063
    klum@hgea.org

  • 2023-24 HGEA Union Strong Scholarship Recipients

    2023-24 HGEA Union Strong Scholarship Recipients

    HGEA is pleased to announce the 2023-24 HGEA Union Strong scholarship recipients. Two $2,000 scholarships were awarded to students who are pursuing or plan to pursue post-high school study on a full-time basis at a university, college, community college, vocational or trade school.

     

     

    Apoleihikiula Carvalho, Hilo, Hawaii
    Member Relations: Ricky J. Carvalho, Unit 2, member since 1995, and Kamomihoohiki M.K.K. Carvalho, Unit 3, member since 2015
    Apoleihikiula is currently attending Montana State University

     

     

    Megan Nashiwa, Wailuku, Maui
    Member since 2021, Unit 3
    Megan is currently attending Eastern Gateway Community College

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mahalo Water Safety Officers

    Mahalo Water Safety Officers

    Thank you to all of our Water Safety Officers from across Hawaii.

    On this recognition week, we celebrate the dedicated service of those who ensure and educate our community about water safety. We appreciate all that you do!

    While we celebrate the contributions of these public servants, our hearts are heavy that many of our Maui HGEA ohana have lost homes, their way of life and loved ones. HGEA grieves with these members who have given so much to their community.

    Here are a few of their stories:

    Kaleo Lopez, Kauai
    Ocean Safety Officer IV
    Unit 15 Member

    What’s rewarding to me is being able to give back and make a positive impact in our community. Coming from an ohana full of watermen, it comes naturally to want to help and perpetuate the teachings I have been blessed to learn about the ocean – be it working a tower keeping visitors and locals safe, the Junior Lifeguard program, or presentations teaching ocean safety to the keiki at public and charter schools. What’s rewarding is being a role model and inspiring keiki and other ocean-minded people to pay it forward and give back to the community and live a healthy lifestyle, as well.
    Jonah Kayes, Hawaii Island
    Water Safety Officer II
    Unit 15 Member

    The most rewarding part of being a Water Safety Officer is helping people enjoy our oceans safely. I’m honored to be present while families are forming stronger bonds and their happiest memories. My job makes an impact on our community, helping keep all our community members safe at the ocean – novices and experts, young and old, local and visitors. I’m most proud of the times where I’ve been able to talk about ocean safety to large groups. I like to imagine that lives will be saved many years from now simply because people share their knowledge and experiences with each other. To be part of this makes me proud.

    Bradley Young, Hawaii Island
    Water Safety Officer II
    Unit 15 Member

    The most rewarding part of being a Water Safety Officer is that I get to use my strength and knowledge in the ocean to help people. Through frequent public contacts, I enjoy the opportunity to spread the aloha spirit to people visiting from near or far. My job makes a positive impact on our community mostly by educating people how to safely enjoy our beautiful beaches, and by reducing the frequency that other emergency response resources are needed. I am particularly proud of the preventative measures, first aid, and rescues provided by our ocean safety team, as well as our Hawaii Fire Department and law enforcement agencies. Together, I know we will grow to meet the needs of our community.
    Chantelle Brown, Maui
    Ocean Safety Officer IV
    Unit 15 Member

    My job makes a positive impact in the community by educating and protecting the public, whether it be locals or visitors of all ages. We provide education in numerous ways, such as being involved in community events, supporting the Junior Lifeguard program, and helping anyone who approaches our lifeguard towers. Preventative actions are our No. 1 priority, preventing injuries before they happen. I’ve been a part of ocean safety for a long time, and with all humility, I’ve had a few accomplishments throughout my career. However, there is no “I” in team… and I couldn’t have done all that I have done if it wasn’t for those around me in whom I live with and work with. Mahalo Ke Akua.
    Travis White, Maui
    Ocean Safety Officer II
    Unit 15 Member

    As an ocean safety officer, our jobs positively impact our community in so many ways. For me personally, it’s getting to teach our youth the importance of safely enjoying the ocean and learning to help others in times of need through the Junior Lifeguard program.
       

  • Every Act of Aloha Counts: Support Maui Relief

    Our hearts are heavy that many of our Maui HGEA ohana have lost homes, their way of life and loved ones. The wildfires on Maui have caused indescribable devastation, and it’s going to be a long road to recovery for many. You can help show that we’re stronger together. Here’s how:

    1. Let HGEA know if you or someone you know on Maui is affected. HGEA is gathering as much information as we can on members impacted by the wildfires so we can determine how best to help. Contact the Member Services Center at 808-543-0000 or email us at service@hgea.org.

    2. Support AFSCME’s Fallen Heroes Fund. The International Union created the Fallen Heroes Fund to help AFSCME ohana who have suffered losses due to natural disasters. Every donation made will support union members affected by the wildfires. Donate today.

    3. Donate to the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program. This fund supports union ohana on Maui with critical emergency assistance. You can make checks payable to the Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program, and send to:

    Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Attn: Cathy Lederer
    888 Mililani Street, Suite 501
    Honolulu, HI 96813

  • Mahalo Waste & Recycling Workers

    Mahalo Waste & Recycling Workers

    In honor of National Waste & Recycling Workers Week, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of these dedicated public servants who are helping to keep our communities clean and sustainable for future generations. These professionals provide critical services that educate the public on the importance of diverting trash from landfills, along with implementing strategies that keep our waters and land healthy. We’re so proud to represent them. 

    Here are a few of their stories:

     

      Tess Herman, Maui
    Recycling Specialist IV, Maui County
    Unit 13 Member

    Every item has potential to be recycled. We develop programming for products that are not often thought about as traditional “recyclables,” like your old car. With the help of our team, this past year I wrote and developed a new program to offer free towing and recycling of old unwanted junk vehicles for Maui County residents. I am proud of this accomplishment because getting a new government program up and running is a major challenge we overcame, and this program is a win-win for both residents and the environment alike.

    Codie Jascor, Maui
    Recycling Program Assistant, Maui County
    Unit 3 Member

    The most rewarding thing to me about being a waste and recycling worker is knowing that I’m making a difference in a place — Maui — that is special, sacred, and cherished to so many people. Doing this type of work allows our generation and many more to come to also enjoy this beautiful and special island.

    Leinaala Mahi, Oahu
    Recycling Specialist III, City & County of Honolulu
    Unit 13 Member

    My greatest pleasure comes from sharing, through public education, about the unique way we manage trash on Oahu. Approximately 10% of our island homes are powered from opala brought to H-POWER. Nearly 90% of garbage is diverted from the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. Making sure that we are culturally appropriate, safe and thoughtful with our information and operations gives me personal satisfaction. My job gives me the opportunity to use my expertise as a cultural practitioner in my profession to enhance the community.
    Tia Stupplebeen, Maui
    Landfill Worksite Supervisor I, Maui County
    Unit 3 Member

    Being in the landfill industry is unforgiving at times — continuing to fill our land with trash saddens me. Knowing the great environmental impacts we can have on our surroundings and insuring we follow all governmental regulations is why I do my job. The reward will come when we move to alternative solutions, but for now, we do our best to protect the land, sea and air for our keiki, moopuna and all future generations.
    Daezsa Tomas-Tamagawa, Kauai
    Recycling Specialist I, Kauai County
    Unit 13 Member

    At my position as a Recycling/HI5 Specialist, I’m an educator, inspector, and creator. These duties contribute to our overall goal of reducing the amount of waste that goes to our landfill. One person can’t solve the growing (local and global) problem with waste, but one person can certainly help keep it going in the right direction. My duties help strengthen the community’s knowledge and encourage them to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. Let’s make aina-minded decisions automatic!
      Claire Randazzo, Maui
    Recycling Program Assistant, Maui County
    Unit 3 Member

    With the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division, we are working to serve the land, the island, and the people whose lives are here. Whether the reward is more nearsighted, seeing positive impact immediately following a project or cleanup, or farsighted, where the impacts are bit by bit and a long work in progress, all of these conscious efforts are to take care of the planet and the life that takes care of us in return. It is rewarding simply to put in the energy and time, and care for something bigger than myself.