HGEA

Author: Malulani Moreno

  • STATEMENT: Kawakami Supporters Are Resorting to Dirty Tactics to Ensure Wealthy Developer Interests Win Out Over Working People’s Concerns

    STATEMENT: Kawakami Supporters Are Resorting to Dirty Tactics to Ensure Wealthy Developer Interests Win Out Over Working People’s Concerns

    A poll is attempting to smear lieutenant governor candidate Rep. Della Au Belatti.

    Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, representing more than 30,000 public employees, issued the following statement after a poll was launched to smear state Rep. Della Au Belatti:

    “We always knew cash-flushed Pacific Resource Partnership and its political action committee For a Better Tomorrow would resort to underhanded tactics to try to buy this election for Derek Kawakami — we’re frankly more surprised it took them so long.

    “Their poll of leading questions, full of falsehoods and mischaracterizations, is meant to smear state Rep. Della Au Belatti. Gee, they even went so far as to ask about HGEA’s favorability. Are they looking to compare their image with ours?

    “Just 72 hours ago, Kawakami sat on a sound stage at Hawaii News Now and told the public he wants to see an end to negative campaigning. Does he approve of these attempts to inject lies into the bloodstream of the electorate? Is this the type of leader he wants to be?

    “We know Kawakami wants to shrug off the Milton Choy bribery scandal as old news. But corruption and dirty money are the defining issues of this campaign. So, let’s be clear about the facts: Derek Kawakami waited four years to part with $15,000 he received from convicted felon Milton Choy.

    “In 2022, Kawakami told KHON2 he had no intention of returning the money because, he claimed, nothing improper had occurred. This as Choy’s businesses received Kauai County contracts, including a $750,000 wastewater project.

    “Kawakami returned the money only after the media and HGEA exposed him earlier this month. He accused us of lying when we pointed out that he had not yet given it back. But the Campaign Spending Commission reported receiving the money only after HGEA issued its statement.

    “His campaign is rolling in hundreds of thousands of dollars from big money, mainland-connected developers who would like nothing more than to reshape Hawaii into a playground for the rich. The working people who are currently struggling to afford groceries and rent can thank the economic crisis we’re facing on these developers who are driving up the cost of housing in Hawaii. All this while Kawakami attempts to run as the anti-corruption candidate.

    “Compare that to Belatti, the only candidate who has rejected corporate PAC money. She’s taking small $25 donations from kupuna who can barely afford their medications and young workers trying to start families while carrying crushing student loan debt. She has helped pass legislation to clean up our broken election system so candidates can’t be bought. Kawakami cannot hold a candle to that kind of leadership.”

    ###

    Media Contacts:

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

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

  • Three Debate Moments that Prove Derek Kawakami Is Unfit for Lieutenant Governor

    Three Debate Moments that Prove Derek Kawakami Is Unfit for Lieutenant Governor

    Hawaii Deserves Della Au Belatti as Its LG: Leadership Working People Can Trust

    In a live-streamed and televised lieutenant governor forum on Hawaii News Now, Mayor Derek Kawakami’s unfitness for office was on full display. In contrast, state Rep. Della Au Belatti showed why she’s the real anti-corruption candidate working people can trust.

    Here are three moments that prove Kawakami doesn’t deserve to be Hawaii’s lieutenant governor.

    1. He shrugged off his receipt of $15,000 in campaign donations from convicted felon Milton Choy, and his refusal to return the money, as “old news.”

    But here’s the thing: If that were true, why did he only recently (July 8, to be exact) decide to return the dirty money, some four years after insisting he should be allowed to keep it?

    Could it be the June 28 Civil Beat article, which highlighted Kawakami’s refusal to return the funds, and HGEA’s July 7 news release slamming his comments? Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Sen. Ron Kouchi, and many others gave back the money in 2022. Why did Kawakami only now decide to change his tune?

    During this exchange, Kawakami also disclosed the County of Kauai has multiple contracts with Choyʻs company and that his administration, and he believes they don’t represent any quid pro quo, having gone through procurement processes.

    2. He’s beholden to big money interests, not working people. Just look at the wealthy, mainland-connected developers on his supporter list.

    Private developers are flooding our local politics with millions of dollars in an attempt to turn Hawaii into a playground for the rich. That’s why so many Hawaii families are watching their children pack their bags for the mainland because the rent is too high and the wages aren’t enough.

    We don’t need more luxury condos and resorts. That’s what Kawakami’s wealthy backers represent. Working people deserve someone working to make Hawaii affordable for everyday people.

    3. He refuses to be an independent voice as lieutenant governor, which the Hawaii state constitution empowers the LG to be.

    Whereas Belatti vows she will bring the voices of working people to the decision table, Kawakami said he doesn’t have any interest in being an independent member of the executive branch.

    He belittled Belatti’s insistence that the LG is empowered to be a separate voice within the executive branch by saying, “right now we don’t need more watchdogs, we have a lot of watchdogs.”

  • A Clear Choice for Working People: Ed Case’s Pro-Labor Record vs. Jarrett Keohokalole’s No Vote On Your Raises

    A Clear Choice for Working People: Ed Case’s Pro-Labor Record vs. Jarrett Keohokalole’s No Vote On Your Raises

    As organized labor faces an unprecedented assault from a hostile federal administration, U.S. Rep. Ed Case has stood against rollbacks of worker rights and undermining the middle class. 

    Over the last two years, as anti-union extremists in Washington, D.C., have taken a sledgehammer to decades of progress for the labor movement, Case worked to thwart their agenda at every turn.  

    His record is clear: 

    • He co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act to expand workers’ rights to bargain collectively and hold employers accountable for anti-union practices.  
    • He voted against provisions that would have stripped collective bargaining rights from federal civil servants. 
    • He stood against the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that slashed billions from SNAP food benefits and Medicaid coverage for Hawaii residents. 

    Compare that to state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole who voted in 2020 against your pay raises. Not only that, he had the audacity to take to the floor of the state Senate and announce his no vote. 

    Watch the speech.

    Working people deserve a leader who is willing to stand with them during difficult times. Rep. Case is that person. 

  • RELEASE: HGEA Endorses Della Au Belatti for Lieutenant Governor

    RELEASE: HGEA Endorses Della Au Belatti for Lieutenant Governor

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Tuesday, July 7, 2026

    HGEA Endorses Della Au Belatti for Lieutenant Governor

    HAWAII’S WORKING FAMILIES NEED A LEADER THEY CAN TRUST

    Hawaii’s families are working harder than ever, and yet so many are falling behind. When it comes to the issues working people care about, voters need to ask, who is this politician really working for?

    Today, HGEA is proud to stand with state Rep. Della Au Belatti as she runs for Lieutenant Governor, because we know she’s on the side of working people, not big money interests.

    Belatti made a promise: No corporate money. None.

    Her opponent? Mayor Derek Kawakami is backed by millions from wealthy mainland-connected developers. He’s bought and paid for.

    Voters only need only look at recent reports that Kawakami took $15,000 from Honolulu businessman Milton Choy and his associates. Unlike Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and several others who gave back Choy-connected funds, Kawakami never did.

    “Too many Hawaii families are watching their children pack their bags for the mainland because the rent is too high and the wages aren’t enough,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association. “We need leaders who put the interests of working people ahead of big developers and corporations. That’s why HGEA is standing with Belatti.”

    In contrast, Belatti has spent two decades in the State House as a voice for working people — supporting public employee raises, worker protections and government reform.  And, unlike her opponent, she can’t be bought.

    “Wealthy interests already have people in the room looking out for them,” said Perreira. “Working people deserve to have an advocate at the table with their concerns in mind.”

    ###

    Media Contacts:

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

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

  • Washington Middle School Principal of 25 Years Suspended With No Due Process 

    Washington Middle School Principal of 25 Years Suspended With No Due Process 

    Unit 6 members Mike Harano, principal at Washington Middle School, and Sam Fong, recording studio director, were pushed out of their jobs by their complex area superintendent with no explanation, deprived of their due process rights, HGEA alleges. 

    A principal at WMS for 25 years, Harano’s suspension came two weeks before the end of the school year, with Complex Area Superintendent Linell Dilwith claiming it stemmed from findings of a routine audit, though she and the DOE never revealed to him or the union any specific allegations against him. 

    “I don’t even know what the audit says,” Harano told Hawaii News Now on Thursday. “Interestingly enough, she said she hadn’t gotten it either.” 

    Fong is also out of a job after the CAS and temporary principal changed the position he occupied, forced him to apply for the new job and told him he was not a top candidate.  

    “I had to go to an interview for a project that I spent 10 years of my life, blood and sweat,” Fong told Hawaii News Now. 

    Their sidelining appears connected to the multi-million-dollar audio recording studio, approved and funded by the state Legislature as a public-private partnership allowing students to work alongside recording professionals to inspire their career aspirations. One such example was the 2025 Disney remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” with music recorded at the studio. 

    HGEA has filed grievances on behalf of Harano and Fong and recently delivered letters to members of the state Board of Education alleging the violations in due process by DOE officials.  

  • 📢 Ratification Vote: Unit 3 Compensation Adjustments, Maui County

    SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT RATIFICATION

    County of Maui

    Unit 3 Compensation Adjustments

    Voting starts May 4.

    Aloha Subscriber,

    The County of Maui has proposed a supplemental agreement for employees in Unit 3 regarding compensation adjustments. The supplemental agreement would provide for:

    • Employees in Unit 3 on Step C to Step L as of April 30, 2026, be placed on the next step of the corresponding pay range effective May 1, 2026.
    • Employees in Unit 3 on Step M as of April 30, 2026, receive a 4% lump sum equivalent to a step movement.

    This step movement is in addition to the union negotiated across the board increases and step movements for contract period 2025-2029.

    HGEA Recommends You Vote “Yes” to Approve This Agreement

    If you have questions about this proposed supplemental agreement or ratification, contact the Member Service Center at (808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.

    Voting Information

    1. All voting will be done through electronic ballot.
    2. Voting will begin the morning of Monday, May 4 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
    3. An electronic ballot will be sent to your personal email address from “HGEA Ballot,” with the subject, “Unit 3 Maui County Step Movement Supplemental Agreement.”

    Results of the ratification vote will be reported on Thursday, May 7.

    Ka Lai Waikiki

    With summer right around the corner, book your next relaxing retreat.

    Maui Stamp Out Hunger

    Give a helping hand at the annual NALC

    food drive on May 14.

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    FOLLOW US

    Please do not reply to this email as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

    For a complete list of member discounts or for more HGEA news, visit www.hgea.org.

    If you have specific inquiries, contact your local HGEA office or the HGEA Member Service Center at

    (808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.

  • 📢 Ratification Vote: Unit 4 Compensation Adjustments, Maui County

    SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT RATIFICATION

    County of Maui

    Unit 4 Compensation Adjustments

    Voting starts May 4.

    Aloha Subscriber,

    The County of Maui has proposed a supplemental agreement for employees in Unit 4 regarding compensation adjustments. The supplemental agreement would provide for:

    Employees in Unit 4 on Step C to Step L as of April 30, 2026, be placed on the next step of the corresponding pay range effective May 1, 2026.

    This step movement is in addition to the union negotiated across the board increases for contract period 2025-2029.

    HGEA Recommends You Vote “Yes” to Approve This Agreement

    If you have questions about this proposed supplemental agreement or ratification, contact the Member Service Center at (808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.

    Voting Information

    1. All voting will be done through electronic ballot.
    2. Voting will begin the morning of Monday, May 4 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
    3. An electronic ballot will be sent to your personal email address from “HGEA Ballot,” with the subject, “Unit 4 Maui County Step Movement Supplemental Agreement.”

    Results of the ratification vote will be reported on Thursday, May 7.

    Ka Lai Waikiki

    With summer right around the corner, book your next relaxing retreat.

    Maui Stamp Out Hunger

    Give a helping hand at the annual NALC

    food drive on May 14.

    FacebookInstagramYouTube

    FOLLOW US

    Please do not reply to this email as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

    For a complete list of member discounts or for more HGEA news, visit www.hgea.org.

    If you have specific inquiries, contact your local HGEA office or the HGEA Member Service Center at

    (808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.

  • STATEMENT: HGEA Demands the Attorney General Release All Available Investigation Findings to Allow for a Fair Lieutenant Governor Election

    STATEMENT: HGEA Demands the Attorney General Release All Available Investigation Findings to Allow for a Fair Lieutenant Governor Election

    Statement from HGEA’s Executive Director Randy Perreira

    With the entrance of Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami into the race for Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, HGEA is demanding that Attorney General Anne Lopez give the public all the information she has on hand to ensure a free and fair election.

    The AG’s office has in their possession all documents and recordings from the federal investigation, and withholding that information from the public is no longer an option. The public deserves to know what the AG knows in order to clear up the cloud of suspicion hanging over Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. This will allow the electorate to make an informed decision and not be swayed solely based on media innuendo and unsubstantiated allegations.

    No candidate should be allowed to capitalize on the mass confusion among the voting public about Luke’s campaign finances. So far, the public has not been given any evidence of wrongdoing. Her campaign made a few rather inconsequential recording errors, which Luke has reported and corrected as anyone with an ounce of integrity would do.

    The longer the AG’s office sits on what they know, political opponents of Luke will be able to unfairly use the shadow of doubt against her. If the AG’s silence drags on, the voting public should be ready to conclude that what is occurring here is a calculated and organized effort by sitting politicians who would desire nothing else but to sink the career of a political threat, someone who has to-date shown an admirable level of personal integrity in office, whether as a state representative or as LG.

    ###

    Media Contacts:

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

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

  • 📫📥Submit Your General Assembly Resolutions

    MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

    Connecting Classroom to Careers

    Unit 6 Members Highlighted in NASSP’s Principal Leadership Magazine

    Cover of Principal Leadership Magazine featuring HGEA Unit 6 members

    Principals Kelcy Koga of Waiakea High School, Mahina Anguay of Waimea High School and Zachary Sheets of Waipahu High School — all Unit 6 members — shared their first-person accounts of “connecting classrooms to careers,” building relevance and preparing students for a fast-changing world in Principal Leadership Magazine.

    “I didn’t start classroom teaching until I was 40, but I’m glad because that gave me a deep layer of non-school experiences,” Anguay said. “Today, as a principal I’m proud to provide my students with a career academy experience and expose them to so many career options before graduating from high school.”

    Submit Resolutions

    Charter/Bylaws Due May 12

    Non-Charter/Bylaws Due June 10

    The 28th Biennial HGEA General Assembly will take place on Sept. 10-12 at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu. As the highest governing body of the union, the general assembly considers amendments to the HGEA charter of incorporation and bylaws, along with other non-charter/bylaws resolutions. The Committee on Charter, Bylaws and Resolutions is responsible for reviewing all proposed resolutions and making a recommendation to the general assembly.

    Members may use the form linked below to submit a resolution for consideration. One form is for proposed amendments to the charter and/or the bylaws; the other form is for general resolutions. Guidelines on how to prepare a resolution are provided for your reference.

    Charter/Bylaws Resolutions are due 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 12

    Non-Charter/Bylaws Resolutions are due 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 10

    FIGHTING FOR YOU

    No Dictators Rallies

    Saturday, March 28 on Oahu, Maui and Big Island

    No Dictators Rallies

    Saturday, March 28

    Times Vary by Location

    Indivisible Hawaii, a grassroots movement to protect and enhance democracy in the U.S. and Hawaii, is organizing rallies across the state to send a pro-democracy message to extremists in Washington, D.C.

    If you choose to participate in peaceful protest, Indivisible Hawaii urges you to follow its guidelines for respectful engagement and taking safety percautions.


    Germaine’s Luau

    Enjoy a local style backyard luau at a discounted rate.


    Volunteers needed! Hawaii Island Special Olympics

    Make a difference and support the athletes. Keaau High School Track, Saturday,

    April 18, 6 a.m.

    FacebookInstagramYouTube

    FOLLOW US

    Please do not reply to this email as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

    For a complete list of member discounts or for more HGEA news, visit www.hgea.org.

    If you have specific inquiries, contact your local HGEA office or the HGEA Member Service Center at

    (808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.

  • Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Three Unit 6 Principals Share Their Stories in NASSP’s Principal Leadership Magazine

    Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Three Unit 6 Principals Share Their Stories in NASSP’s Principal Leadership Magazine

    Three Unit 6 members who are part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Academy were recognized in the organizations February issue of Principal Leadership magazine.

    Their first-person accounts tell the story of “connecting classrooms to careers,” building relevance and preparing students for a fast-changing world.

    The principals are Kelcy Koga of Waiakea High School, Mahina Anguay of Waimea High School and Zachary Sheets of Waipahu High School.

    “I didn’t start classroom teaching until I was 40, but I’m glad because that gave me a deep layer of non-school experiences,” Anguay said. “Today, as a principal I’m proud to provide my students with a career academy experience and expose them to so many career options before graduating from high school.”

    At Waimea, students in their sophomore year can choose from the Technology and Design Academy or the Health, Agriculture, Hospitality and Tourism Academy.

    At Waiakea High School, Koga said the school’s early academy model was “too ambitious,” but since 2012 the school has been offering four academy options at the beginning of sophomore year.

    “We have students in our health services academy who can graduate high school with a certified nursing assistant certification,” Koga said. “From there, they can get hired at a local hospital or pursue an additional nursing degree. We have similar certification programs for our other three academies.”

    Similar successes are happening at Waipahu High School where Sheets is principal. The school offers six academies, which include multiple pathways. It was the first high school in the state to achieve “wall-to-wall” National Career Academy Coalition model status in 2020 under now-Superintendent Keith Hayashi.

    “It is an honor to continue their work and build upon their momentum to ensure WHS remains an example of the transformative power of public education,” Sheets said.