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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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RELEASE: Nanakuli Principal One of Only Six Finalists for National Distinguished Principal
Ten Educational Officers Across the State Nominated Christine Udarbe, principal of Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, is among only six principals from across the country who are finalists for the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2026 National High School Principal of the Year. Ten principals from across the state were nominated for National Distinguished…
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Lifeguards Help Rescue 98-Year-Old Woman from Historic Flood
North Shore residents were caught off guard when the state’s worst flooding in 20 years hit them hard. They had little time to prepare as waters rose quickly in the early hours of March 20, causing some residents to become trapped inside their homes. Joey Cadiz and Patrick Monaghan, Unit 15 members and lifeguards, jumped…
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MJ Nakamura changes the lives of Halawa inmates through education✨
Raised by farmers in rural Philippines who emphasized the importance of education, MJ Nakamura decided to dedicate her career to helping others reach their education goals. As a corrections education supervisor at the Halawa Correctional Facility, she develops and runs programs for the incarcerated to obtain skills, college degrees, certifications and GEDs. Despite severe short…
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Savings from Cutting Vacancies Should Benefit Workers, Not the Rich
Ginet Hayes, State Board President, the Hawaii Government Employees Association With the state facing a potential $3.5 billion loss in federal funding, right-wing advocates and think tanks like the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii have found the perfect opportunity to push their fever dream of slashing local government and public services. Lawmakers have put a lot…
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