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Dadia Ellis is preserving Hawaii’s ecosystem for generations to come
Dadia Ellis, Unit 8 member and events and membership coordinator, wears many hats at the Waikiki aquarium to ensure programs go swimmingly. Growing up in South America, she gained experience on bridging the gap between tourism and conservation. For the last decade, she’s used these skills to protect local wildlife and educate visitors on preserving…
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In the News: Unit 13 Member Crowned Mrs. Hawaii America
Eden Keolani Stewart, Unit 13 member and external affairs section chief for the Maui Emergency Management Agency, was recently crowned Mrs. Hawaii America 2026. Stewart has spent two decades building up career experience in communications, public relations, community engagement and leadership. Her path to the crown also includes community service work following the devastating Lahaina…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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In the News: Strengthening Public Safety
Honolulu Ocean Safety Department celebrates addition of 13 new lifeguards. Navigating some of the biggest waves, it is no surprise that Hawaii’s water safety officers are considered some of the best in world. HGEA would like to give a warm welcome to the thirteen new recruits joining the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department. These ambitious and…
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