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HGEA will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
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The state’s 2025 legislative session was somewhat overshadowed by the political and economic chaos trickling down from the federal government. Through it all, HGEA held strong – pushing for pro-labor bills and fighting against bad bills that would’ve taken away worker rights. Here’s a quick rundown of our successes:
Major Wins
- Appropriation Bills to Fund New Contracts – Various cost item bills were passed to fund collective bargaining expenses from 2025-2027, which includes the new contract salary increases for state employees in Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 13 and their excluded counterparts
- Government Employee Housing – Establishes a new program and funding for government employee housing
- Duty to Defend – Requires the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees from civil lawsuits if they were operating within their scope of work and not negligent
- Interest Arbitrator – Expands the pool of qualified interest arbitrators
Bad Bills We Defeated
- Worker Rights – A handful of bills would have exempted employees from civil service
- Privatization – a general bill that would’ve opened the door for government agencies to privatize services
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Working in the education field since 2001, Principal Matt Dillon, Unit 6 member, has been leading Iao Intermediate School to great new heights! He first found his passion for education through his parents, both educators, and the many administrators who came before him.
Since taking on the role of principal back in 2017, Iao Intermediate School has seen a dramatic improvement in test scores and an expansion in its athletics program for middle schoolers.
Mahalo for all that you do for our keiki, Matt!
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After her own daughter’s diagnosis, Education Assistant Jacie Hokoana, Unit 3 member, had to make a complete 180 in her career to take care of her child.
Fast forward nearly a decade later, Jacie continues to help special education students. Her impactful work ensures that every student reaches their full potential.
Mahalo for all that you do, Jacie!
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Patricia Dunn is Big Island’s Outstanding Older American
Congratulations to our Retirees Unit member Patricia Dunn for winning Hawaii County’s 2025 Outstanding Older American Award.
Patricia has dedicated her retirement to serving the community as a member of the Lions Club, YMCA, Papaikou Senior Club, and Palace Theatre. Her efforts have helped keiki in various school projects, such as with vision and hearing screenings.
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A Full Circle Moment
Former lifeguard and one of the trailblazers in the formation of Unit 14, Mel Pu‘u, passed the torch to his son, Noa “Bubba” Pu‘u.
At just 16 years old, Bubba has conducted numerous ocean safety rescues. He was one of 41 statewide high school athletes honored by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation at Duke’s Night, winning the 2025 Duke Lifesaver Award. He plans to follow his father’s footsteps in becoming a water safety officer post-graduation.
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Save on single-day general admission and annual passes with unlimited visits.
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Two $2,000 scholarships available.
Apply by June 20.
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Please do not reply to this email as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.
For a complete list of member discounts or for more HGEA news, visit www.hgea.org.
If you have specific inquiries, contact your local HGEA office or the HGEA Member Service Center at
(808) 543-0000 or service@hgea.org.
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