Author: support@14oranges.com

Retirees Unit General Membership Meetings

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | March 13, 2024

The Retirees Unit island chapters will hold their General Membership Meetings next week. Join your union brothers and sisters to get the latest union news! Please RSVP to your respective chapter event prior to attending.

Kauai Chapter

Monday, March 18 at 10 a.m.

Kauai HGEA Office, 3213 Akahi Street

Call (808) 245-6751 to RSVP

Maui Chapter

Tuesday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m.

HMSA Center, 70 Hookele Street

Call (808) 280-1526 or email stplsd69@yahoo.com to RSVP

Hawaii Chapter

Wednesday, March 20 at 9 a.m.

Hawaii HGEA Office, 495 Manono Street

Call (808) 935-6841 to RSVP

Oahu Chapter

Thursday, March 21 at 9 a.m.

Oahu HGEA Office, 1st Floor Meeting Hall, 888 Mililani Street

Call (808) 543-0054 to RSVP

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.

HGEA Scoops
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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March 13, 2024

HID Phone Line Down Notice & Retirement Seminar

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | March 12, 2024

Due to an issue with our carrier’s equipment, our HID office phone lines are down. We apologize for any inconvenience as we work to resolve the issue.

If you need to reach our HID staff, you can email them directly or the general office email at hawaiidiv@hgea.org.

You can also reach out to our Member Services Center, (808) 543-0000 and service@hgea.org.

It’s never too early to start planning for your future. That’s why we’re offering a retirement seminar with a speaker from Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund and a pre-recorded presentation from the Employees’ Retirement System. Let us help you plan for a worry-free tomorrow!

Saturday, March 23

8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Hawaii Island Division Office, 495 Manono Street

Deadline to register is March 20. View flyer for more information.

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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March 12, 2024

Are you ready for retirement?

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | March 12, 2024

Saturday, March 23

8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Hawaii Island Division Office, 495 Manono Street

Deadline to register is March 20. View flyer for more information.

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.

HGEA Scoops
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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March 12, 2024

Mahalo to our athletic trainers!

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | March 7, 2024

With March being National Athletic Training Month, we would like to mahalo our members for all they do to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. This month, we interviewed a few athletic training professionals who have demonstrated selfless dedication in helping our young athletes achieve their potential. These individuals were nominated for their extraordinary service.

This week, meet Unit 13 athletic trainers, Tomoki Kanaoka, Cynthia Shimoda, Alexander Gasmen, and Unit 6 member athletic director, Jonathan Conrad.

WATCH NOW

Alapaki Nahale-a has served University of Hawaii employees and our members well on the Board of Regents. lt is sad that once again state senators have resorted to intimidation and bullying in the advise and consent process.

We are angered when we repeatedly witness qualified and committed community members who sincerely care about Hawaii being publicly berated, made into a laughingstock, and intimidated by a handful of senators.

Christian Fern, executive director of UHPA, and Randy Perreira, executive director of HGEA took to the pages of The Star-Advertiser to call on lawmakers to end the acrimonious climate and abusive tactics that dissuade good people from serving our state’s institutions.

READ NOW

Photo credit: UH Women’s Water Polo

Happy retirement, Coach Maureen Cole!

As we celebrate athletic professionals this month for National Athletic Training Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate a very special milestone. We would like to congratulate and wish Coach Maureen Cole, Unit 8 member, a wonderful retirement!

Mahalo for your incredible leadership these 17-plus years, leading the Rainbow Wahine water polo program to a career record of 203-92. We appreciate you!

Honolulu Civil Beat Highlights Unit 13 Member Tony Earles

Tony Earles, police evidence specialist III and Unit 13 member, has been tirelessly working behind the scenes since the horrific wildfires on Maui in a “grim three-pronged task: search, recover, and identify the victims.”

Honolulu Civil Beat chronicled Earles’ role in “the hundreds of hours of painstaking and sometimes gruesome work” of identifying the victims of the inferno. Earles is a dedicated public servant and HGEA is proud to stand with him and our Maui members who continue the hard work of recovery.

KITV Spotlights Maui Dispatchers Honored in Washington, D.C.

Our Maui County dispatchers, whose response to the harrowing phone calls on the day of the August wildfires earned them honors from the NG911 Institute in Washington D.C. They were the recipient of the Outstanding Call Center award.

KITV aired a story spotlighting the brave efforts of these public servants during one of Hawaii’s deadliest hours. The story also brought attention to the need to fill numerous vacancies in this critical area of government. “The dispatchers are short-staffed and in need of 29 more personnel,” KITV reports. “The current 10 are tasked with answering calls for the police and fire departments as well as medics.”

WATCH NOW

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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March 7, 2024

Special Appointment: Unit 4 State Board Director

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 29, 2023

The Unit 4 Board has appointed Leila Kim, chair of Unit 4 Kauai Island Division, to fill the remainder of Kepa Kekaualua’s unexpired term as state director. Kim also serves as secretary and treasurer for the state Unit 4 Board.

According to HGEA bylaws, a special election was needed to fill the Unit 4 HGEA Board Director position that was vacated in October 2023 due to more than 18 months remaining on the Unit 4 HGEA Board Director position.

An announcement was sent out notifying the Unit 4 membership of the vacancy and nominations were accepted up to the close of business December 28, 2023. Unfortunately, no nomination petitions were submitted.

The committee has determined, with the advice of legal counsel, that the “the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with its unit bylaws,” which allowed for the Unit 4 Board of Directors to select a state director to represent them on the State Board of Directors.

Mahalo to the Unit 4 Board of Directors and the election committee for your work in filling this vacancy.

If you have questions, please contact HGEA Field Services Officer Chad Ngai, (808) 543-0042 or cngai@hgea.org.

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 29, 2024

Watch Now: ?️ Rhiannon Ako International Day of Women and Girls in Science

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 27, 2024

In February, we’re honoring Women in Science. We would like to mahalo all female science professionals for their dedication to the advancement of STEM work in Hawaii.

As a little girl, Rhiannon Ako, Unit 13 member, knew she wanted to pursue a career in the sciences. After obtaining her degree from UH Manoa, she went on to pursue great heights in epidemiology. Her work focuses on disease contact tracing. Mahalo for all that you do, Rhiannon!

WATCH NOW

Back President Joe Biden at Precinct Night

On March 6, the Hawaii Democratic Party will gather for precinct night at locations across the state for the party-run presidential primary. Are you a party member? Let’s turn out in support of President Joe Biden!

AFSMCE threw its support behind President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris last summer, and HGEA’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to endorse Biden-Harris early this year.

Biden has helped lower health care costs and is protecting Social Security, Medicare, and our retirements against relentless MAGA attacks. Because Biden passed the American Rescue Plan that saved our states, cities and towns post-pandemic, union members across the country are winning stronger contracts and higher wages than ever. With the public sector facing historic staffing shortages, the Biden-Harris ticket is the pro-worker and pro-union choice to get America working again.

To vote on March 6…

1. You must be a member of the Hawaii Democratic Party (there’s still time to join), and registered to vote in the state of Hawaii.

2. Attend the event at your district precinct Wednesday, March 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FIND YOUR PRECINCT

HGEA is committed to fighting against legislative overreach in setting telework policies given that changes in working conditions should be negotiated with the union.

Executive Director Randy Perreira spoke with KHON 2 News about how flexible work arrangements, like teleworking, is something new job-seekers demand.

“[Lawmakers] have to wake up and understand — in the Senate, particularly — that this is something that new employees expect. You’re not going to make headway trying to fill your vacancies unless you start offering these more flexible work arrangements,” Perreira said.

Our members work extraordinarily hard at a time when departments may be understaffed by as much as 50%. Employees shouldn’t be criticized because they happen to work remotely a few days a week.

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 27, 2024

Fighting for you at the legislature

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 22, 2024

After combing through over 3,000 bills that were introduced in January, HGEA’s legislative team has been advocating for priority bills and other good bills that will protect workplace rights and have a positive impact on members. Playing offence is just half the battle, though. We’re also defending against bad bills that weaken workplace benefits and pose a threat to civil service through exempted positions or privatization. Here are a few key battles:

Priority Bill – Repricing: HB1640/SB2449

Historically, employers have stalled HGEA’s repricing efforts by claiming that current salary schedules are appropriate and no negotiation is necessary. This bill would require the employer to engage in repricing negotiation within 30 days of our request. It would also ensure an agreement is reached through arbitration or impasse procedures.

Bill Opposed – Telework: HB1985/SB2598

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to revise telework polices and set a maximum limit of telework days per week. We were successful in stopping the House bill. The original Senate bill had a two-day weekly limit. Even though it has been revised to an uncertain number of days, HGEA is committed to fighting against legislative overreach in setting telework policies since changes in working conditions should be negotiated with a union.

HGEA is also emphatic that telework is not the problem. It’s a modern workplace benefit crucial to recruitment and retention during a growing government job vacancy crisis.

You can read more about bills we’re focusing on at our legislative action page:

LEGISLATIVE ACTION WEBSITE

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 22, 2024

March Benefits & Events

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 20, 2024

_ALL ISLANDS_

VIEW FLYER

Register for the 2024 Basic Steward Academy

Weekly evening trainings from March 5-April 2 at 5:30 p.m., virtual via Zoom.

Every workplace needs someone looking out for workers’ rights, but did you know that many HGEA worksites don’t have a steward? That’s where you come in!

Sign up for the Basic Steward Academy and receive five trainings on how to help protect members’ rights and bring fair and decent treatment to the workplace.

The trainings are open to all members whether you are a steward, considering becoming one, or just want to learn more about your rights on the job. Deadline to register is March 4.

VIEW SCHEDULE & REGISTER

Apply Now! Hawaii State AFL-CIO Scholarships

Due Friday, April 12

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to three graduating seniors who are currently attending high school in the state of Hawaii and plan to pursue post-high school study on a full-time basis at a university, college, community college, vocational or trade school.

All submissions must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 12, 2024.

APPLY NOW

_MAUI_

Volunteers Needed! Silversword Planting Day

Saturday, March 9, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Haleakala Crater

Make an impact and help preserve our native plants by planting the endangered Silversword with your union ohana.

_HAWAII ISLAND_

Bingo Night

Wednesday, March 13, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., HGEA Office MPR

Join us for a fun evening of bingo! Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 6 by 5:00pm. Limited to 40 members. No children.

Volunteers Needed! Hawaii Island Marathon

Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Support us at the Big Island Marathon! For interested volunteers, please RSVP by Saturday, March 9 by 4:30 p.m.

_OAHU_

Family Fun Day: UH Warriors Men’s Volleyball

Saturday, March 30, 7 p.m., Simplifi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

Cheer on UH at their home game against UC Santa Barbara.

Special pricing for HGEA members: $3 for members, $8 for adult guests, $3 for youth guests. Admission is free for children under 4 years old.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Recreation Hanafuda Tournament

Monday, March 18, 5:30 p.m., HGEA 1st Floor Meeting Hall

Join us for a fun night of hanafuda!

Volleyball Recreation League

Season runs from April-June. Games held at Kalakaua District Park on Wednesday nights.

The volleyball recreation league is back! Register to join your union brothers and sisters in friendly matches this spring.

Featured Partner: Wet ‘n’ Wild

With spring break approaching quickly, save at Hawaii’s biggest ‘n’ best water park!

Featured Partner: Alohilani Resort

Book a relaxing getaway this spring break!

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.

HGEA Scoops
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 20, 2024

Listen Now:?️Ep. 2 Telework is not the problem

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 15, 2024

Telework, sometimes called remote work, is a modern benefit that many employees in the public and private sector now have. But this benefit in Hawaii state government is under assault by lawmakers stuck in old ways of operating. This has been on full display all winter as the Senate Ways and Means committee drilled department heads about the number of employees on remote work, often making disparaging remarks about these HGEA members.

In this episode of The Negotiation Table, we welcome member Gavin Tokuda of Unit 13 and HGEA’s field services officer, Joy Bulosan.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Feb. 11 was International Day of Women and Girls in Science. We would like to mahalo all female science professionals for their dedication to the advancement of STEM work in Hawaii.

Dr. Amanda Lowrey has been working in food safety since December 2009. She has since helped to revive the state’s local edible bivalve shellfish industry. Mahalo for all that you do, Amanda!

WATCH NOW

HGEA fully supports H.B. 1651, which seeks to require the Department of Education to take certain steps to report incidents of harassment and implement procedures for handling harassment of educational workers and creates the offense of harassment of an educational worker.

Each school year, we are contacted by multiple members who work at public schools and who have experienced threats made directly at them or witnessed by them in the course of their employment and within the scope of their duties and responsibilities. Our members should feel assured that the Department is committed to taking prompt and effective action against harassment.

Executive Director Randy Perreira spoke with KHON 2 News about the necessity of this measure.

WATCH NOW

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 15, 2024

Fighting for You: Repricing

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Feb. 12, 2024

Aloha Subscriber,

We wanted to take an opportunity to clarify inquiries we have received regarding HGEA’s position on repricing for state deputy sheriffs. To be 100% clear: HGEA absolutely supports the repricing of deputy sheriffs.

Last week HGEA met with the state’s chief negotiator to discuss this very subject. HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira will meet with the director of the state Department of Law Enforcement and the chief negotiator on Feb. 22.

That being said, HGEA opposes a bill moving through the legislature aimed at repricing. While we support the intention of repricing our hardworking deputy sheriffs, the legislature is not the proper avenue for this. The authority to reprice specific positions rests between the employer and HGEA, not with lawmakers.

Empowering the legislature to change pay for a specific group of employees is a slippery slope. Although this bill is well intended, future bills aimed at employee pay may not be so. This is why the union is intent on protecting collective bargaining rights by opposing the intrusion of lawmakers in the negotiation process.

Rest assured HGEA remains committed to protecting your rights and reaching a repricing deal with the state.

READ OUR TESTIMONY

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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February 12, 2024