-
Members in the News: Unit 15’s Joey Cadiz “Fell in Love” With Public Safety
When Lifeguard Joey Cadiz, a member of Unit 15, leapt into action to rescue his North Shore neighbors during the Kona Lows, he was simply acting on the instincts of someone who long ago “fell in love” with public safety. Featured in Honolulu Magazine’s October issue, Cadiz recalled getting “frantic” calls in the middle of…
-
Shane Myers’ “Transformational” Leadership Earns Him School Psychologist of the Year
The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists has selected Unit 13’s Shane Myers as School Psychologist of the Year for his 18 years of service to students across Central Oahu and the North Shore. Myers has been described as a transformational leader for the Waialua Complex, using his abilities to foster collaboration and teamwork to spearhead…
-
Hawaii’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal, Derek Minakami
For more than 15 years, Derek Minakami of Unit 6 has been shaping the future of education in our Windward community. He started his career in the classroom, teaching science at Kailua High School. Eventually, Derek worked his way up the ladder to become principal at Kaneohe Elementary School. Today, his dedication to students and…
-
HGEA Members Honored for Excellence in Public Service by Gov. Green
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…
-
North Shore Lifeguard Joey Cadiz Answers the Call
Joey Cadiz, a Unit 15 water safety officer, went viral on social media as a hero coming to the aid of his North Shore neighbors during the Kona low. Causing some of the worst flooding in 20 years, the storm reached critical levels in the middle of the night, and Joey, like a true first-responder,…
-
Derek Minakami Named Hawaii’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal
Kaneohe Elementary School Principal and HGEA Unit 6 member Derek Minakami has been named Hawaii’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal by the Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association. This is the second honor Minakami has earned in as many weeks. Kaneohe Elementary was named a 2026 National Gold Star School by National Association of Elementary…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
Category