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Making a Difference One Scholarship at a Time
Since 1966, our union has been dedicated to helping members and their dependents reach their educational goals. Just this year, 22 members and dependents were awarded a total of $45,000 across all scholarships. Hear from a few 2025 scholarship recipients on how this financial support has made a difference: Meet Megan NashiwaWith ambitions to become…
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Unit 6’s Sheldon Oshio Leads First “Model Academy with Distinction” Elementary School in the Nation
Unit 6’s Sheldon Oshio made headlines after Waikele Elementary School, where he serves as principal, became the first elementary school in the country to earn the “Model Academy with Distinction” designation from the National Career Academy Coalition. Waikele’s program is part of a larger career academy emphasis in the Waipahu Complex of schools. Traditionally career…
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HGEA Welcomes Honolulu’s Newest Unit 15 Ocean Safety Recruits
Fourteen new members of HGEA’s Unit 15 are making waves after successfully completing the eight-week training program for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department. Joining the finest ocean safety professionals in the world, these recruits will be assigned across Oahu’s shores as first responders and guardians of residents and visitors alike. The graduates include Jesse Arias, Brisco Beaton, Malaika…
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Free Christmas Concert Featuring HGEA Members in Royal Hawaiian Band
HGEA members in the City and County of Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Band will lead a lineup of acclaimed musicians and artists in the free Kalikimaka Ho’omau concert heralding the start of the Christmas season. The two-hour holiday concert will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Seats…
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Unit 15’s Chelsea Kahalepauole-Bizik and Kapua Chang Among the “8 Women Who Save Lives”
When it comes to saving lives, lifeguards Chelsea Kahalepauole-Bizik and Kapua Chang are pros. As pioneering women in ocean safety their stories are highlighted in Hawaii Business Magazine’s “8 Women Who Save Lives.” Kahalepauole-Bizik, water safety officer III, started her lifeguard career at age 18 at a hotel pool. She honed her skills, like spotting distressed swimmers…
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Banned Books Week: How Unit 13 Librarians are Fighting for the Freedom to Read
This week, libraries across the U.S. are observing Banned Books Week. Led by states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida, book bans continue to rise—limiting access to vital educational resources and silencing diverse voices, especially within marginalized communities. That’s why librarians like Unit 13 members Lani Kawahara of Lihue Public Library and Jenny Silbiger of the…
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From Tragedy to Triumph: Reed Sunahara Leading Hilo Volleyball to Victory
For more than 30 years, Reed Sunahara, Unit 8 member and UH-Hilo women’s volleyball head coach, has been leading athletes to victory. Reed was a star athlete in his own right, receiving a scholarship to play volleyball for UCLA and later going pro. After a tragic motorcycle accident prevented him from continuing his own professional…
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Stars of the Hawaii State Judiciary: HGEA Members Honored for Their Service
Before his retirement, one of the last acts of Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald was to present awards to Hawaii State Judiciary employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments. From exceptional case management to diligent record keeping, this year’s awardees are dedicated to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the Judiciary. Among the more…
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“Changing Lives Everyday.” HGEA Members Honored by Gov. Green for Extraordinary Public Service
Scores of HGEA members across state government were honored by Gov. Josh Green for their “high caliber” of service to the public. “Public employees continue to make extraordinary contributions that improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” Green said in a news release. “This year’s honorees exemplify that spirit and we are truly honored…
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Unit 15’s Kapena Kuailani and His Family of Watermen Honored by Mayor Bissen
Maui Lifeguard Kapena Kuailani, his son and junior lifeguard Kanoa Kuailani, and Kapena’s father, Sam Kuailani, were honored by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen for saving the life of a diver found unresponsive in waters off Kahului Harbor. Off duty at the time, Kapena, a Unit 15 member, and his family of watermen pulled the diver…
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