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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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Key Impacts of the So-Called Big Beautiful Bill on Retirees
In July, the Big Beautiful Bill became law and, as you’ll see, the effects are anything but beautiful. AFSCME has analyzed the key impacts on retirees and identified the following areas of concern: For more details, refer to the AFSCME’s issue fact sheet for retirees.
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Union Secures Retention Bonuses for HPD Dispatchers
HGEA and the Honolulu Police Department reached an agreement for new monthly retention bonuses for police communications officers and emergency response operators. The agreement comes on the heels of the union publicly calling on the city council to expand its inquiry into the HPD vacancy crisis to include dispatchers, not just uniformed officers. These vital…
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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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Randy Perreira on HPR: Federal Workers Being Used as Bargaining Chips In Government Shutdown
Randy Perreira in his capacity as president of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO appeared on Hawaii Public Radio following threats from the White House that backpay would be withheld from federal workers once the government eventually reopens. Thousands of federal workers in Hawaii, such as TSA officers and air traffic controllers, are working without pay to…
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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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