Author: support@14oranges.com

❎✅ Upcoming Vote: Elections Resolution

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Dec. 2, 2024

Aloha Subscriber,

Be on the lookout for an email with a link to vote on the elections resolution that was adopted by the HGEA General Assembly on Nov. 4.

The resolution lowers the number of signatures required for members to run for president or director positions on the HGEA State Board and validates the use of signatures obtained electronically. This would make it easier for members to become candidates, especially if they belong to a unit with fewer members on their island.

The final step in formalizing this bylaw amendment requires approval by active members.

The deadline to vote is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

Please cast your vote as soon as you receive the email, which will be sometime over the next few days. Mahalo!

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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December 2, 2024

Dec. Benefits & Events

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 25, 2024

HGEA will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving

Welcome to our new video series, Wallet Audit!

In this series, we will explore tips to help you achieve financial wellness with Bunny Tanaka, financial educator with Hawaii State Federal Credit Union. Learn about important budgeting basics by watching our first episode.

WATCH NOW

_HAWAII ISLAND_

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., KTA Puainako

Ring in the holiday spirit and make a difference with your union brothers and sisters at this year’s Salvation Army Bell Ringing.

_KAUAI_

Holiday Party

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5-7 p.m., Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall

Celebrate the joy of the season at the Kauai holiday party! Register by today, Nov. 25 at the Kauai HGEA office, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

_OAHU_

Holiday Craft & Gift Fair

Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., HGEA Downtown Office

Our annual Holiday Craft and Gift Fair is returning just in time for holiday shopping.

The fair is a fundraiser for the Charles R. Kendall Scholarship and Education Fund, so your participation also supports our scholars.

Community Action Holiday Volunteer Events

Our Community Action Committee has many volunteer opportunities throughout the year that could use your help. Check out their upcoming holiday events:

Dec. 8: Family Programs Hawaii 26th Annual Holiday
Dec. 21: Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Angel Tree

Holiday Party

Friday Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m., Honolulu Country Club

Join your union brothers and sisters for a jolly evening of ono food and holiday cheer!

Registration deadline has been extended to the end of today, Nov. 25.

Register for New Education & Training Pathways

Learn more about your rights as a member! Our new pathways training series is open to all dues-paying HGEA members.

Starting Jan. 14: Introduction to HGEA (beginner)
Starting Jan. 30: Collective Bargaining 101 (intermediate)

MORE INFO

Featured Partner: Dell

Enjoy access to great deals during Dell’s Black Friday and holiday sales!

Featured Partner: Highgate Hotels

Planning your holiday travels? Members receive special discounts at hotels owned by Highgate!

Featured Partner: Waikele Premium Outlets

Members get access to VIP coupons at Waikele Premium Outlets. Check out special Black Friday events and store hours.

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA Scoops
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 25, 2024

Left service with the DOE? THP Settlement info inside.

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 22, 2024

Aloha Subscriber,

Eligible voting employees in the Department of Education voted to accept a settlement for temporary hazard pay. Current active DOE employees have already started filling out their THP request forms. As someone who has left service with the DOE, here’s what you need to know:

Am I eligible for THP?

If you worked for the DOE during the pandemic (from March 4, 2020 to March 25, 2022) in Unit 2, 3, 4, 9 or 13, you’re entitled to temporary hazard pay under this settlement.

Payout for approved THP requests will occur no later than March 20, 2025.

Will I be notified about my eligibility?

The DOE mailed a letter to all eligible former employees in October asking them to update their email address. If you did this, you should have received an email on Nov. 14 with a link to the THP request form.

If you’re eligible for THP and didn’t receive a letter from the DOE or access to the request form, please email the DOE at thp_inquiries@k12.hi.us.

When is the deadline to submit a THP request form?

The form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024.

What if I have questions about the form or the process?

This is the DOE’s form and submission process, not HGEA’s. If you have any questions, please email the DOE at thp_inquiries@k12.hi.us.

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 22, 2024

Listen Now:?️Ep. 11 Road to Retirement

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 14, 2024

HGEA will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving.

Welcome back to the Negotiation Table!

As we approach December, a key month for retirement planning for our members, we wanted to invite Daniel Krase, senior financial advisor from Hawaii State FCU, to talk about investing for the future. Learn more on how to prepare for the best journey of your life in this episode.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Every workplace needs someone who’s looking out for workers’ rights, but did you know that many HGEA sites don’t have a steward?

That’s where Lisa and Josselin come in. Serving their union brothers and sisters, they help in HGEA’s fight to protect our members’ rights and bring fair and decent treatment to the workplace. Mahalo for all that you both do!

If your work site needs a voice, why not you? For more information, contact the HGEA Member Service Center at (808) 543-0000 or email service@hgea.org.

WATCH NOW

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Ring in the joy with your union brothers and sisters at your home island division’s holiday party.

Hawaii Island

Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m.

Hawaii Island HGEA Office

(808) 961-0766.

View flyer.

Kauai

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5-7 p.m.

Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall

Monday-Friday.

View flyer.

Maui

Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.

Da Playground Maui

View flyer.

Oahu

Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.

Honolulu Country Club

Mahalo to all of the amazing HGEA volunteers who dedicated their weekend at the 2024 Hawaii Parkinson’s Walk!

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 14, 2024

??The Results Are In: DOE THP Settlement

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 13, 2024

Aloha Subscriber,

Department of Education employees in Units 2, 3, 4, 9 and 13 who worked during the period of March 4, 2020 to March 25, 2022 voted to accept the settlement offer for temporary hazard pay.

Total votes cast: 3,331

Total yes votes: 3,262

Percentage: 98%

Mahalo to everyone who voted.

READ DETAILS

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 13, 2024

✅❎Voting starts now

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 8, 2024

We are now ready to hold a vote on the temporary hazard pay settlement offer for state Department of Education employees organized into Units 2, 3, 4, 9 and 13.

This vote was placed on hold in May after it became apparent that the total number of days required for a payout did not take into account the loss of workdays due to the pandemic. We now have a revised offer — and workday requirement — in hand to present to you.

New Settlement Offer

The DOE is offering the same settlement that was accepted by other state employees — compensation split into two tiers ($10,000 and $20,000) based on the number of days worked physically at their worksite during the period of March 4, 2020 to March 25, 2022.

The payment will be in one installment no later than March 20, 2025 and will be based on the days affected employees worked at their physical worksite.

Settlement Highlights

12-month employees who physically reported to work for 375 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 12-month employees was 420 days under the previous settlement offer.)
10-month employees who physically reported to work for 300 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 10-month employees was 350 days under the previous settlement offer.)
Those who physically reported to work less than the applicable days listed above would be entitled to $10,000.
Those who did not physically report to work at all during the emergency proclamation would not be entitled to compensation.

Acceptance of this settlement would be in lieu of the award won in arbitration by HGEA on behalf of DOE employees.

HGEA is NOT making a recommendation on whether you should accept or reject this settlement offer.

READ DETAILS

Voting Information

All voting will be done through electronic ballot.
Voting starts today, Nov. 8 and will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
An electronic ballot was sent to your personal email address from “HGEA Ballot,” with the subject, “BALLOT: HGEA Temporary Hazard Pay Settlement Vote.”
If you do not see a ballot in your personal email, search for “ballot” in your inbox, Junk Mail or spam folders. See instructions on how to request a ballot. Ballot requests must be received before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 (no later than two hours before the close of electronic voting).

Results will be reported on Thursday, Nov. 14 after they have been officially certified.

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 8, 2024

? Here’s what happened at the general assembly

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 7, 2024

On Monday, Nov. 4, over 220 HGEA delegates gathered at the Hawaii Convention Center for the 27^th Biennial General Assembly and to celebrate 90 years of working for Hawaii.

As the highest governing body, the general assembly considers amendments to the HGEA charter of incorporation and bylaws, along with other non-charter bylaws resolutions. Two resolutions were adopted.

The first lowers the number of signatures required for members nominated for president and board of directors from 25 to 15 and also validates the use of electronic signatures. This amendment will make it easier for interested candidates to run for office, especially if they have a small amount of unit members on their island.

The second urges state and county elected officials to immediately address hiring and retention issues as a top priority.

Guest speaker Kauai County Council Member Bernard Carvalho inspired us with his speech about leadership in civil service and Executive Director Randy Perreira called for continued perseverance and resiliency in his state of the union address. Watch our video for a recap of event highlights.

WATCH NOW

Mahalo, members, for exercising your power to vote in this general election as it played a crucial role in securing wins for pro-labor candidates.

Dr. Kimo Alameda ousted incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth, ushering in a new chapter for leadership on the Big Island which has seen an uptick in grievances, investigations and job vacancies under the current administration.

All three of Hawaii’s congressional incumbents, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, swept the ballot box and easily won reelection.

In a tremendous win for marriage equality, voters approved a constitutional amendment removing the Legislature’s authority to reserve marriage for opposite-sex couples.

While not every candidate endorsed by HGEA won, most notably the Harris-Walz ticket, we remain resolute in our fight for the rights and benefits of public employees and will continue to stay union strong against any challenges that may come.

Here’s a list of other endorsed candidates who won the general election.

This National School Psychology Week, watch our Island Life Live segment celebrating school psychologists. Unit 13 members Amanda Garrett, based at Mililani Uka Elementary School, and Lynette Cantere, from the Dept. of Education Honolulu District Office, discussed how school psychologists help students succeed even under the strain of high vacancies and what can be done to address recruitment and retention issues.

Heartfelt mahalo to all school psychologists taking care of students’ mental health.

WATCH NOW

For more than 10 years, Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor of Love program has been connecting labor union volunteers with schools to help rehabilitate and beautify campuses. Now, through the Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program, AFL-CIO has added workforce development to its offerings.

With the help of local labor unions, HELP is partnering with schools to introduce students to future careers, like construction trades, the maritime industry and the film industry. Cathy Lederer, director of HELP, and Randy Perreira, HELP president and HGEA executive director, spoke with KITV’s Island Life Live about the program.

WATCH NOW

Nurse recognized for saving newborn’s life

Congratulations to Karen Oskins, Unit 9 member and obstetrics nurse at Hilo Benioff Medical Center, for receiving the 2024 Hawaii Healthcare Heroes award from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii!

In May of 2023, Karen recognized the signs of a serious intestinal malformation while assisting her coworkers in bathing newborn baby Leila and preparing her for discharge. Her expertise ensured that Leila received the care necessary to live a healthy life.

Longest-serving Honolulu city worker honored for 60-year career

When Howard Okamura, Unit 3 member, applied to be a clerk typist at the Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles 60 years ago, the pay was less than $3 an hour.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi recently honored the 80-year-old public service veteran, who has no plans to retire. Mahalo for your dedication and service, Howard!

Celebrating International Accounting Day

We would like to give a big mahalo to all accountants for the critical work they do managing our state’s finances. We appreciate you!

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 7, 2024

DOE THP Settlement Vote Starts Tomorrow

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 7, 2024

We are now ready to hold a vote on the temporary hazard pay settlement offer for state Department of Education employees organized into Units 2, 3, 4, 9 and 13.

New Settlement Offer

The payment will be in one installment no later than March 20, 2025 and will be based on the days affected employees worked at their physical worksite.

Settlement Highlights

12-month employees who physically reported to work for 375 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 12-month employees was 420 days under the previous settlement offer.)
10-month employees who physically reported to work for 300 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 10-month employees was 350 days under the previous settlement offer.)
Those who physically reported to work less than the applicable days listed above would be entitled to $10,000.
Those who did not physically report to work at all during the emergency proclamation would not be entitled to compensation.

Acceptance of this settlement would be in lieu of the award won in arbitration by HGEA on behalf of DOE employees.

HGEA is NOT making a recommendation on whether you should accept or reject this settlement offer.

READ DETAILS

Voting Information

All voting will be done through electronic ballot.
Voting starts on Friday, Nov. 8 and will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
On Friday, Nov. 8, an electronic ballot will be sent to your personal email address from “HGEA Ballot,” with the subject, “BALLOT: HGEA Temporary Hazard Pay Settlement Vote.”

Results will be reported on Thursday, Nov. 14 after they have been officially certified.

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 7, 2024

Your Votes Meant Success for These Candidates and Marriage Equality Measure

Mahalo, members, for exercising your power to vote in this general election as it played a crucial role in securing wins for pro-labor candidates.

All three of Hawaii’s congressional incumbents, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, swept the ballot box and easily won reelection.

In a tremendous win for marriage equality, voters approved a constitutional amendment removing the Legislature’s authority to reserve marriage for opposite-sex couples.

Here’s a list of other endorsed candidates who won the general election:

STATE SENATE

Hawaii:
Senate District 3 – Dru Kanuha

Maui:
Senate District 6 – Angus McKelvey
Senate District 7 – Lynn DeCoite

Oahu:
Senate District 16 – Brandon Elefante
Senate District 18 – Michelle Kidani

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Hawaii:
House District 3 – Chris Todd
House District 4 – Greggor Ilagan
House District 5 – Jeanne Kapela
House District 6 – Kirstin Kahaloa
House District 7 – Nicole Lowen
House District 8 – David Tarnas

Maui:
House District 11 – Terez Amato
House District 12 – Kyle Yamashita
House District 13 – Mahina Poepoe

Kauai:
House District 15 – Nadine Nakamura
House District 16 – Luke Evslin
House District 17 – Dee Morikawa

Oahu:
House District 20 – Tina Nakada Grandinetti
House District 21 – Jackson Sayama
House District 22 – Andrew Garrett
House District 24 – Adrian Tam
House District 27 – Jenna Takenouchi
House District 29 – Ikaika Hussey
House District 31 – Linda Ichiyama
House District 34 – Gregg Takayama
House District 37 – Trish La Chica
House District 38 – Lauren Cheape Matsumoto
House District 41 – David Alcos
House District 46 – Amy Perruso
House District 47 – Sean Quinlan
House District 48 – Lisa Kitagawa
House District 49 – Scot Matayoshi
House District 50 – Mike Lee

HAWAII

COUNTY COUNCIL
District 9 – James Hustace

MAUI

COUNTY COUNCIL
West Maui – Tamara Paltin
Kahului – Tasha Kama
South Maui – Tom Cook
Makawao-Haiku-Paia – Nohe U‘u-Hodgins
Upcountry – Yuki Lei Sugimura
Lanai – Gabe Johnson

KAUAI

COUNTY COUNCIL
Bernard Carvalho
Felicia Cowden
Arryl Kaneshiro
KipuKai Kuali‘i
Mel Rapozo

November 7, 2024

?Update? on DOE THP Settlement

EVENTS COMING SOON | PERKS & DISCOUNTS | GIVE A MEMBER A SHAKA | Nov. 4, 2024

We will soon be ready to hold a vote on the temporary hazard pay settlement offer for state Department of Education employees organized into Units 2, 3, 4, 9 and 13. We appreciate your patience during this prolonged negotiation with the employer.

A voting timetable will be communicated to you very soon.

New Settlement Offer

The payment will be in one installment no later than March 20, 2025 and will be based on the days affected employees worked at their physical worksite.

Settlement Highlights

12-month employees who physically reported to work for 375 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 12-month employees was 420 days under the previous settlement offer.)
10-month employees who physically reported to work for 300 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. (The number of days for 10-month employees was 350 days under the previous settlement offer.)
Those who physically reported to work less than the applicable hours listed above would be entitled to $10,000.
Those who did not physically report to work at all during the emergency proclamation would not be entitled to compensation.

Acceptance of this settlement would be in lieu of the award won in arbitration by HGEA on behalf of DOE employees.

HGEA is NOT making a recommendation on whether you should accept or reject this settlement offer.

Retiring soon? Join our retirees unit to stay in the fight.

FOLLOW US

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.

HGEA News
Hawaii Government Employees Association
888 Mililani Street, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96813

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November 4, 2024