News

HGEA members across state government were honored by Gov. Josh Green for their high caliber of public service.

“Public employees make remarkable contributions every day, strengthening how our state serves the people of Hawaii,” Green said in a news release. “This year’s honorees reflect that commitment and we are grateful to stand alongside individuals and teams whose work brings meaningful change to our communities.”

Among this year’s honorees was Jessica Chambers, registered nurse with the Department of Health, who won State Employee of the Year. She earned recognition for her leadership at the Office of Health Care Assurance, where faster processing times helped open new adult residential care homes statewide, pushing the total past 500 for the first time in a decade. The 300% plus increase in efficiency produced meaningful cost savings and allowed staff resources to be diverted to other critical priorities.

Our members are proving everyday that Hawaii really does work best when we do. 

Here are more of our members who were honored this year.

Ryan Abe, Unit 13, Information Technology Specialist, Department of Taxation

Lynn Araki-Regan, Excluded Member, Administrative Services Officer II, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Josh Atwood, Unit 13, Natural Resources Management Specialist, Department of Land and Natural Resources

Andrew Chang, Unit 13, Assistant Stadium Authority Events Manager, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

Jolie Ching, Unit 13, Information Technology Specialist, Department of Taxation

Charlie Clark, Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Officer, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Kalani Fronda, Unit 13, Homestead Housing Specialist, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Damien Kaaihue, Unit 4, Pre-Audit Clerk III, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Theresa Kong Kee, Unit 13, Securities Education Specialist, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Mindy Kimura, Unit 13, Engineer III, Department of Transportation

Dr. Susan Lebo, Unit 13, Archaeology Branch Chief, Department of Land and Natural Resources

Toy Lim, Unit 13, Engineer III, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity

Tyrus Matsumoto, Unit 13, Intake Service Center Manager, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Patti Meerians, Unit 13, ret. Librarian IV, Hawaii State Public Library System

Curtis Mostoles, Unit 2, School Food Services Manager IV, Department of Education

Ann Sueoka, Excluded Member, Human Resources Specialist, Department of Human Services

Ronnie Torres, Unit 13, Installation and Geographic Information Systems Manager, Department of Defense

Daena Tuquero-Marquez, Unit 3, Clerk Dispatcher III, Department of Law Enforcement