HGEA

Year: 2023

  • National Speech-Language Pathologists Day

    National Speech-Language Pathologists Day

    In honor of National Speech-Language Pathologist Day, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of our dedicated speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These professionals provide critical support to help students improve their communication skills. We’re so proud to represent them. 

    Here are a few of their stories:

     

    Maria Cappello, Kauai
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    My job makes a positive impact in the community because we work with students to help them access a basic human right: communication. That could be through speech generating devices, sign language, words or all of the above! Speech-language pathologists work to ensure everyone has a voice. I am so proud of all my students every day. One of my initially nonverbal students started talking. He’s now using sentences!

    Holly Conklin (Pippin), Hawaii Island
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    Being able to communicate with others in the community is necessary to self-advocate and be a contributing member of society. I am committed to making this possible for my students as ‘talk story’ is a very important cultural aspect. Since working at the DOE, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma. Treatment left me completely deaf in one ear and has led me to have more understanding about navigating the world with a disability. It has also increased empathy towards my students.
    Jeanne Iwashita, Oahu
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    The most rewarding thing about being a speech-language pathologist with the DOE is seeing our students (aged 3-21) learn communication skills. Experiencing moments when a child begins to speak, sign, or use augmentative communication is very exciting and gratifying. We are proud of the small moments when our students learn new skills, such as speaking for the first time, using a communication device independently, or by simply having a student interact or smile at us.

    Karen Kama, Oahu
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    Watching children grow, communicate effectively and gain confidence is the most rewarding aspect of being a speech-language pathologist. One of my favorite things to see is a former student out in public conversing with friends and working within the community. Recently a former student surprised me by taking my order at a drive-through and was performing all the goals we had set for them while they had therapy. They did great and I was so proud of them!

    Mary Pescador, Oahu
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    A speech-language pathologist’s work has a ripple effect, starting with directly helping students express themselves, whether that is through verbal or non-verbal means. We strive to support parents and teachers by providing strategies so that they can help their students and children improve their communication skills in class and at home. This results in students who have an increased quality of life and are in a better position to be community contributors. I love when a teacher or parent tells me that a student, who previously had minimal expressive language skills, now “talks too much!”

      Christie Salvador, Oahu
    Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 13 Member

    The most rewarding thing about being a speech-language pathologist is working with students and watching them grow their skills to become successful communicators. I have 19 years of success stories that I’m proud of, such as seeing the joy when a non-speaking student asks for a toy using a device and is actually understood, or the appreciation from a parent who is finally able to understand what her child is saying. The impact I have on the individual lives of each student is what I’m most proud of.

     

     

     

  • Honoring Nurses and School Professionals

    Honoring Nurses and School Professionals

    In honor of National Nurses Week and Teachers Appreciation Week, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of these tireless professionals in our community. Mahalo to our 1,700 public-sector nurses for your commitment and service, and for making a difference in the lives of Hawaii’s people at our hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, correctional institutions, schools and community programs. And we extend our thanks to school-level professionals in and out of the classroom for educating, caring for and supporting Hawaii’s students.

    A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do.

     

    Josette “Jojo” Kawana, Oahu
    Registered Nurse III, Hawaii State Hospital
    Unit 9 Member

    HGEA has done an excellent job in protecting me and my family from the volatile nature of the healthcare industry. In my entire career as a public-sector nurse, I have never had to endure the loss of work opportunity because of labor relations issues or cost cutting measures. Unlike many people, I am fortunate to have a career in the field that I chose related to my college education and training. I know my job is secure now and into the future because I am a member of HGEA.
    Stacie Aguinaldo, Kauai
    Registered Nurse III, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
    Unit 9 Member

    This year has been quite special for me, marking 25 years as a registered nurse, and 15 years employed by the state. My oldest daughter Brandie will be completing her BS in Nursing at UNLV. My youngest daughter Jade will be graduating from Waimea High School and attending UH-Manoa with plans to major in nursing as well. My career as a nurse has allowed me to balance both work and family life as a single parent. I especially enjoy being able to serve the community I grew up in as an ER nurse.
    Danette Beams, Oahu
    Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education
    Unit 3 Member

    As an educator, I help students become creative, develop character, promote wellness of oneself, as well as provide students with the proper skills and tools for them to live productive lives so they can contribute to their community. What really hits home is seeing students blossom and reach their full potential. It’s when you see them in the community and they call out for you by name like they did in elementary school, but now as a young adult.

    Joshua Bohnet, Oahu
    School Security Attendant III, Dept. of Education
    Unit 3 Member

    My job is safety and security. I completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Utah Valley University so I’m able to better understand the students I work with. Knowing that parents can trust their kids to have a safe learning environment puts the community at ease. The most rewarding part of being a school security attendant is being able to provide a safe and secure environment for students to learn and grow, and eventually see them finish high school.

    Ilana Meyer, Maui
    Behavioral Technician II, Dept. of Education
    Unit 3 Member

    My job consists of supporting students with autism. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication, sensory processing, social skills and more, but my students can also have incredible memory and knowledge about their specific interests. I can’t help but get teary-eyed with every simple task mastered because the smallest simplest thing that may seem easy to us is ten times harder for them. I have so much compassion and love for my students. They always make my day.

    Joy Ring-Gadow, Oahu
    Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education
    Unit 3 Member

    Working in an elementary school, it’s rewarding for me to help students grow and be able to accomplish things they don’t think they are capable of doing. I also help them to not give up on their dreams. I’m very proud when my former students and parents reach out, especially when the student lets me know I had a lot to do with them graduating and going to college.

      Lei Tata, Oahu
    Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education
    Unit 3 Member

    I’m especially proud of the program that I work for and helped start in 2010 called the Kupa‘a Academy, which services all schools within the Honolulu District. We specialize in students who are unsuccessful at their home school setting and have additional emotional or behavioral needs. This program is a saving grace for students who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the education system. I’ve witnessed my students fight through frustration and challenges to find success.

     

     

  • Mahalo Principals & School Food Service Workers

    Mahalo Principals & School Food Service Workers

    In honor of National Principals Day and School Lunch Hero Day, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of our principals and school food service workers. They are part of an ecosystem of dedicated school-level professionals responsible for educating over 170,000 students. We are proud to represent these professionals at 295 schools statewide. 

    A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do in our schools.

    Glen Miyasato, Oahu
    Principal, Dept. of Education
    Unit 6 Member

    The most rewarding part of being a principal is having the privilege of working with a dedicated and caring staff who work hard to help our students grow academically, socially and emotionally. Fern Elementary is blessed with high-quality faculty and support staff. Our Kalihi students are loving, warmhearted children eager to learn.

    Mark Akine, Hawaii Island
    School Food Services Manager II, Dept. of Education
    Unit 2 Member

    During the pandemic, we were able to provide meals to the community. Families in need from the entire island came to pick up meals. I’m extremely proud and thankful for my hardworking cafeteria staff. Without their dedication and hard work, it would not have been possible.

    Curtis Mostoles, Oahu
    School Food Services Manager IV, Dept. of Education
    Unit 2 Member

    Knowing that you’re providing a healthy and nutritional meal to students so their bodies are nourished and ready to learn throughout the day is rewarding. We help them grow into strong individuals who will someday become the leaders of our community. The look of appreciation you get from students’ happy faces and hearing “I love this lunch” is priceless.

      Matthew Woods, Kauai
    School Food Services Manager III, Dept. of Education
    Unit 2 Member

    The most rewarding thing for me is knowing that what we do as school food service workers can have an impact on the students of our community. We provide meals to students who might not always have the means to get them so they have fuel for their day.

  • Mahalo Library Workers & Administrative Professionals

    Mahalo Library Workers & Administrative Professionals

    HGEA would like to mahalo library workers and administrative professionals throughout Hawaii who keep our state and county agencies and libraries running. We are proud to represent library professionals at 51 libraries statewide who are helping to connect ohana with books, research materials, free internet access, a safe place to study, and a plethora of community programs and classes. We also extend our thanks to dedicated administrative professionals across the state who are helping to deliver essential government services.

    A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do on behalf of our communities.

    Sheri-Lyn Amimoto, Kauai
    Secretary III, Kauai Community College
    Unit 3 Member

    I have been working at Kauai Community College since October 1989. A big part of why I have been working at Kauai Community College for this long is knowing that you have helped make a difference in the lives of those who have come through our doors. I love seeing them succeed in life’s journeys. It’s rewarding when I am out and about in the community, seeing familiar faces and someone remembers me as a person who had helped them on campus.
    Carolyn Caires, Maui
    Secretary II, Dept. of Human Services
    Unit 3 Member

    The typical day of an administrative professional is rarely dull. I engage in a wide variety of activities, deal with different personalities and manage changing priorities on a day-to-day basis. My role as a Secretary II can be very challenging, but it’s rewarding because of the increasing responsibilities, the daily multitasking duties, and the satisfaction knowing that what I do truly makes a difference for so many individuals.
    Hollie Dalapo, Maui
    Secretary II, County of Maui
    Unit 3 Member

    I was a golf course clerk, and one of the many steady golfers I got to know was looking for a secretary. I offered to help him out and fill this role, even though it is a limited-term position. I enjoy meeting all of my coworkers in the Dept. of Environmental Management, Wastewater Division. Everyone has made me feel welcome. Assisting each one of them is rewarding. It was nice to hear that they were happy that I accepted the position even if there was a chance that it could be short term.
      Terry Ann Richter
    Secretary II, Leeward Community College
    Unit 3 Member

    Besides working at Leeward Community College, I am also a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Through IAAP, I attained the Certified Administrative Professional designation. While attending an IAAP convention, I was able to connect with expo vendors and start coordinating and organizing mini expos at the various community colleges. Each project brought out my leadership skills along with great teamwork from all participants.
    Dakota Cotton, Maui
    Librarian IV, Makawao Public Library
    Unit 13 Member

    I love being able to serve our patrons and try to provide the best possible resources for local people’s needs – whether that’s picture books, internet access, workforce development, language learning materials, beach reads, and everything in between. Our communities are what make each library important and our jobs are so rewarding.
    Natasha Puaoi, Oahu
    Library Assistant IV, Waianae Public Library
    Unit 3 Member

    The most rewarding part of my job is the many friendships I’ve made with the people who walk into our library — from our kupuna to the little ones who attend our toddler times. I love seeing them and catching up on how their weekends went or how they did on a test they were cramming for. No matter who they are or where they’re from, the minute they walk into our library I like to make sure they’re taken care of and feel welcomed.

     

     

  • STATEMENT: HGEA Applauds HSTA Agreement – State Should Provide Pay Equity For School Professionals

    STATEMENT: HGEA Applauds HSTA Agreement – State Should Provide Pay Equity For School Professionals

    Statement from Randy Perreira, Executive Director of HGEA

    We are happy to see that the Governor and Superintendent have reached a tentative agreement with HSTA on a new contract on behalf of our public-school teachers. It is now time for these same leaders to turn their attention to the rest of the team that educates our children.

    Teachers rightly deserved an increase in their contract. This is on top of substantial pay adjustments last year via “compression” from the state Legislature. Where is the pay equity for the numerous essential school professionals who feed, protect, care for and educate our students?

    Teachers are not the only people who make our schools run. In fact, during the pandemic when much of the teaching was done remotely, it was the rest of the administrative and support staff who kept our schools open, caring not only for our kids but the entire community through the “grab and go” meal program. Our schools operate because Principals, Vice Principals, Educational Assistants, School Psychologists, Nurses, Speech Language Pathologists, School Security Attendants, School Food Service Managers, Custodians and many others are on the job. All of these individuals, not just teachers, have a direct impact on the wellbeing of our students. 

    The DOE has continued to stall on requests to revisit the pay and working conditions for these employees. The result: high vacancy rates in some areas, an overall inability to recruit and retain necessary and critical employees, and pay inequities between job classes. DOE executives as well as the leadership of the City and County of Honolulu recently cited these very reasons to justify large increases in pay for DOE executive and elected officials. These leaders like to talk about resolving “salary inversion,” where employees make more than their supervisors. But this already exists in the DOE where, thanks to recent teacher salary adjustments, some teachers will be making more than Vice Principals and even some Principals. These disparities make it impossible for the state to recruit and retain high-quality employees.

    The DOE is facing massive staff shortages. Hundreds of Educational Assistant positions remain vacant because of outrageously low pay. School Psychologists face impossible workloads due to vacancies, leaving many students without counseling. In the end, our most vulnerable students suffer because of it. 

    For the good of our students and the good of our state, it’s time to tackle this crisis. Officials should give the same attention to the rest of the school-level professionals. The teacher contract is only a first step.

    The DOE works because WE do.

    ###

    Media Contacts:

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

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

  • Three Bills We’re Watching – and Supporting – In the Legislature

    The 2023 session of the state Legislature is in full swing, and HGEA is looking out for you. In addition to nearly two dozen bills that affect salaries, raises and the health benefits trust fund, here are three priority bills aligned with our Legislative Priorities that HGEA is supporting. 

    1. BALANCING POWER ON THE HAWAII LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

    House Bill 161 would ensure that the labor representative on the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB) is selected by the majority of representatives from collective bargaining units. 

    Why do we support this? 

    Currently, all three members of the HLRB are appointed by the governor, including the member who represents labor interests. HGEA is advocating for a fairer distribution of power by allowing exclusive representatives of the bargaining units to select their own representative to the board. 

    What’s the status of the bill? 

    The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB161. It was referred to the Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date. 

    1. FAIRER PROCESS FOR REPRICING NEGOTIATIONS

    House Bill 163 would require the employer to initiate repricing negotiations within 30 days of receiving a request from the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit, and creates access to an impasse procedure. 

    Why do we support this? 

    A similar bill passed by the Legislature last year was vetoed by Gov. David Ige. Currently, employers frequently deny repricing requests from bargaining and claim all current pricing is appropriate. Unions also do not have recourse if parties fail to reach an agreement on a union’s request to negotiate the repricing of a class. This bill would provide a process to resolve failed attempts to negotiate the repricing of a class.

    What’s the status of the bill? 

    The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB163. It was referred to Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date.  

    1. RELIEVING COST BURDEN OF LICENSING RENEWAL FEES

    House Bill 164 would require the public employer to pay for any necessary employee professional licensing renewal fees. 

    Why do we support this? 

    Many public employees face financial hardship due to employers choosing not to pay for their employee’s renewal fees (It’s currently up to employers whether to do so.). This bill would shift the cost burden from the union member to the employer.  

    What’s the status of this bill? 

    The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB164. It was referred to the Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date. 

     

    Also, several bills opposed by HGEA have died this session. They include bills that would require the state Department of Education to administer annual mental health or behavioral health screenings and convert the Emergency Management Specialist (level IV and higher) from civil service to exempt status. 

    As always, we’ll keep you informed as bills that affect our membership continue to move forward.  

     

     

     

  • RELEASE: Lifeguards Would Go — From Rescues to Winning “The Eddie”

    RELEASE: Lifeguards Would Go — From Rescues to Winning “The Eddie”

    HONOLULU – Luke Shepardson, 27-year-old North Shore native, started his day at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on-duty with his fellow Water Safety Officer lifeguards and Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) members.

    Shepardson would later win the competition before humbly excusing himself to finish his shift after an interview with KHON2 News, “Brah, I gotta get back to the (lifeguard) tower … I gotta get back to the tower and make sure everyone’s OK until the end of the day.”

    A rare surf competition that is only held under specific conditions, “The Eddie” honors fabled big wave-surfer and lifeguard, Eddie Aikau, who went missing at sea after attempting to swim to shore and get help for the crew of the capsized Hokule’a.

    The “Eddie Would Go” slogan and surf competition keep the memory of Aikau alive who, true to his profession as a lifeguard, would brave stormy seas and big waves to save lives.

    The spirit of the lifeguard seemed to permeate competition day, with Water Safety Officer lifeguards busy performing rescues and protecting the crowds of thousands who squeezed onto the cliffs overlooking Waimea Bay or on the shore, resulting in a few close calls when waves washed in and swept spectators into the water.

    Overall, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported 103 rescues and 12,090 preventative actions on the North Shore and West side, with the majority occurring at Waimea Bay. This included a startling incident where lifeguards responded to a wave sweeping a baby under a North Shore home.

    “I want to extend congratulations to Luke Shepardson on his historic win,” said HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira. “This illustrates the high caliber of talent that we have within the ranks of public workers. Our Water Safety Officers dedicate their lives to protect the public at great risk to themselves. HGEA is proud to represent these hardworking lifeguards who have proved time and again that they ‘would go.’”