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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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Unit 13’s Bennett Yap Is Keeping Hawaii On the Cutting Edge of Tech
For more than 40 years, Unit 13’s Bennett Yap, information technology manager, has worked to ensure that the public has easy access to government services. One of his proudest career moments was leading the quick set up of the emergency unemployment insurance claim center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Often working seven days a…
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Unit 6’s Albert Hetrick Tells KHON Why Aliamanu Earned National Honors
Aliamanu Middle School Principal Albert Hetrick, a Unit 6 member, visited KHON 2 News’ morning broadcast to celebrate his school’s selection as a 2025 “School of Distinction.” Moanalua and Kaimuki Middle Schools were also honored by the Association for Middle Level Education, making them among only 24 schools across the country to gain the distinction. “It’s humbling…
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The Zoo’s Oki Uyeda Retires After 40 Years
Dwain “Oki” Uyeda, animal specialist and Unit 13 member, recently celebrated his retirement after four decades of service at the Honolulu Zoo. Oki had a childhood fear of geckoes that he overcame to become the reptile keeper for beloved animal friends like Elton the crocodile monitor lizard, according to a city news release. “Oki’s incredible…
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Unit 3’s Darice Garcia Creating “A Place Where People Care” for Lahaina Students
Two years after one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history ravaged Lahaina, Maui students are finding glimmers of hope on the King Kamehameha III Elementary School campus. CBS Mornings’ Nate Burleson visited the temporary campus, built in 90 days by the Army Corps. of Engineers, and spoke with Unit 3’s Darice Garcia, an educational…
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