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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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CBS Mornings Spotlights “Bravest Lifeguards On the Planet”
There’s no question that Oahu’s North Shore is home to some of the most dangerous waves in the world. But it’s also home to world’s most elite class of lifeguards. CBS Mornings traveled to Pipeline to speak to the men and women whose job it is to put their own lives at risk to save…
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Blazing a Trail for Women in Ocean Safety
Ever since she was a little girl, Toni Watanuki of Unit 15 knew she was destined to be a lifeguard. Watanuki has been a water safety officer at Hanauma Bay for the past three years. Her journey began with the junior lifeguard program, where she found inspiration from her instructors—especially the trailblazing women who helped…
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It’s a Home Run: Two Members Honored in Hall of Fame
One coached the University of Hawaii-Hilo baseball team to more than 500 wins, the other a two-time Olympian who coached UH-Hilo women’s volleyball to six national championships — both are retired Unit 8 members being inducted into the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame. Joey Estrella began his baseball career under legendary UH coach Les…
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New State Board of Directors Sworn In
State Board President Ginet Hayes, a Unit 13 member, challenged the recently elected HGEA State Board of Directors to commit to growing and strengthening the union for the future. Her remarks occurred during the board’s orientation and swearing in on Friday, July 25, marking the beginning of the 2025-2027 term. “To our younger leaders –…
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Peter Oshiro Makes Dining Out Safe In Hawaii
Peter Oshiro, manager of the Environmental Health Program in the Department of Health, has led one of the most critical departments to keep the community safe from communicable diseases. Oshiro, MCEC member, has more than 20 years of service in the union as a steward and board member, and he remains a strong advocate of…
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HGEA on KITV Island Life Live ft. Jaedyn Pavao, Unit 9 Nurse & 2025 Miss Aloha Hula
As we celebrate Nurses’ Week, joining us on KITV Island Life Live is Unit 9 Member Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao. She spoke on her win in the Miss Aloha Hula competition at this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival, and her experience as a Registered Nurse II with the state Department of Health on Kauai.
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