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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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Pay So Low “People Won’t Even Come for an Interview,” Officials Say
With no end in sight to the staffing vacancy crisis in state and local government, officials are once again admitting what HGEA has long contended: inadequate pay and benefits for public service jobs are hindering the recruitment and retainment of employees. “The pay is probably the biggest challenge,” said Dawn Apuna, the city’s director of…
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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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“Survive Until the Midterms” — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz Townhall
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has emerged as one of the strongest voices of opposition to the unprecedented assault being waged in Washington D.C. against working people by billionaires and anti-union extremists. The senator joined AFL-CIO members last week to offer his take on the current administration’s agenda of public service cuts, mass firings and devastating…
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