-
In the News: HGEA’s Randy Perreira Sounds the Alarm on Overcrowding at the Hawaii State Hospital
HGEA’s Executive Director Randy Perreira spoke out on Hawaii News Now after new concerns were raised over capacity and staffing issues at the Hawaii State Hospital. “The census is extraordinarily high. Tensions are high, and we are getting an increased number of calls from employees,” Perreira said. “They’re reporting incidents of assault, incidents of challenges…
-
Legislative Session Recap With Randy
The 2026 Legislative Session wrapped up earlier this month, and HGEA scored a few significant wins for members. These include a bill to increase the maximum contribution and carryover amounts for public service flexible spending accounts, and a bill that would address the rising problem of educational employees facing harassment. The Legislature also confirmed a…
-
In the News: Tangled sea turtle saved by lifeguard Colin Steinberger
Colin Steinberger, a North Shore lifeguard and Unit 15 member, was alerted to a honu in distress when it got caught up in a fisherman’s line. With multiple hooks attached, the fisherman didn’t want to cause further damage by cutting the line free. Even though lifeguards contact NOAA or the DLNR for wildlife emergencies, Steinberger…
-
Karen Kama is helping our keiki find their voice
Inspired by her aunt who was a former speech language pathologist on Kauai, Karen Kama, Unit 13 member and speech language pathologist at Keoneula Elementary School, has helped thousands of students over two decades overcome speech impairment and difficulties.
-
Recognizing Our Public Sector Employees
This Public Service Recognition Week, we would like to give a warm mahalo to all of our members. HGEA represents 30,000 workers delivering you vital public services, from 911 dispatchers who answer your emergency calls to the school professionals who nurture our keiki. Hawaii really does work best when we do.
-
Building career opportunities for her students is Jacqueline Nuha-Tabernero, Unit 6
After 14 years of teaching in the classroom, Jacqueline Nuha-Tabernero of Unit 6 and vice principal at Waikele Elementary School, knew she was destined for more. That is why when the opportunity came for her to become an administrator, she was ready for the challenge. Alongside former principal and HGEA member, Sheldon Oshio, the duo…
-
The Calm Commander In a Hectic Kitchen: School Lunch Hero, Jaclyn Andrade
She’s the calm commander in a hectic kitchen ensuring students have nourishing fuel to get them through a day of learning. This unstoppable force is Unit 2 HGEA Board Director and School Food Services Manager Jaclyn Andrade. When she became a single mom, Jaclyn knew she needed a job that allowed for a better work-life…
-
Working for Maui With Mayor Richard Bissen
HGEA and Mayor Bissen have had a positive collaborative relationship since he took office in 2022. His administration has shown a willingness to resolve grievances quickly, reprice engineers, and even ease the cost of health insurance with a new free 75/25 medical plan. To break down all the ways the Bissen administration has been working…
-
Lights, cameras, ACTION! ✨2025 State Manager of the Year, Kathryn Tipton, Unit 13
Lights, cameras, ACTION! ✨ Running a full production daily at the Pahoa Public and School Library is librarian and Unit 13 member, Kathryn Tipton. She started her journey as a theater major at UCLA. Upon graduating into the 2008 recession, Katy landed herself a job at the local library in her hometown where she fell…
-
Spotlight at the Legislature With Unit 6 Principals
The 2026 Legislative Session started on a highly controversial note when the Senate Education Committee took up a bill that would have changed the way principals are selected and evaluated along with eliminating complex area superintendents. Unit 6 members’ engagement and advocacy thankfully killed the bad parts of that bill. But there are so many…
Category