News Archive
Voices from Maui: HGEA Members Tell Their Stories from the Wildfires
October 26, 2023
HGEA members who experienced the devastations of the Maui wildfires first-hand told their stories in our recent video series Voices from Maui.
Marianne Wheeler, principal of Kula Elementary School and a Unit 6 member, recounted the chaos that erupted in her small upcountry community when fires contaminated the water supply and affected the operation of her school.
Jeri Dean, vice principal at King Kekaulike High School and a Unit 6 member, was traveling in Seattle when the fires began and lost her home.
Ian Barnes, ocean safety officer with Maui County and a Unit 15 member, evacuated to Napili with his two children during the blaze and lost his home.
“Many of our members have lost their homes, cars and their way of life,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of HGEA. “Our members are the lifeblood of our union, and we want them to know we stand with them as they recover from this tragedy.”