Cultivating the Art of Food Service page 7

2017-2019 HGEA State Board of Directors page 4

COACHES & MENTORS: HGEA Members Keep Team Spirit High in Jobs page 12

School Food Services Manager Francis Santa Monica

HAWAII GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION | AFSCME LOCAL 152, AFL-CIO

SEPTEMBER 2017 | VOLUME 52 | ISSUE 2 Message from the Executive Director

I don’t know if you have reached the same point as me — but I am worried about the state of our country. As if everything that has happened since the 2016 elections was not enough, the tragedy that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. in August has me thinking we are near rock bottom.

First, it is deplorable to know that our country still harbors such hate mongers as those SEPTEMBER 2017 white supremacists who chose to demonstrate their neo-Nazi beliefs. Their conduct is

2 reprehensible, and has no place in our diverse society. As if it couldn’t get worse, the heinous situation in Virginia was upstaged by the refusal of Donald Trump to condemn the hateful acts, and instead suggest that “many sides” were to blame for the deadly violence that took place. Totally distasteful? Incomprehensible? Both and more. Trump has taken our Presidency to a new low, from which we can only hope to recover.

Trump’s actions since he was elected have led me to conclude that nothing is past this megalomaniacal fool. His stance on immigration, women’s rights, civil rights, and nearly every basic issue of human dignity suggest that his position on the Charlottesville tragedy is no mistake.

Add to all of this the attacks on working people and their unions by Trump and his ultra conservative cronies — attempting to drive employment law back to the days of indentured servitude while at the same time giving huge tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, like themselves. A clear pattern of “rich vs. the rest of us” emerges and the wage gap continues to widen.

I urge that all of you consider where our country is heading, and I trust you will reach a similar conclusion — that we must resist. Our predecessors fought hard for fairness, equality and dignity — we cannot stand idly by and allow Trump or anyone else to roll back years of progress. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the GOP on a national level or Democrats here in Hawaii — if they adopt an anti-worker agenda or an agenda of hate, our resistance must be stronger.

In solidarity,

Randy Perreira HGEA Executive Director

THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE is published by the Hawaii Government Employees Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 152, AFL-CIO.

P.O. Box 2930 Randy Perreira Caroline Sluyter Lariel Q. Sato Honolulu, HI 96802-2930 Executive Director Communications Officer Communications (808) 543-0000 Specialist Jodi Endo Chai Jenny C.S. Nakagawa www.hgea.org Deputy Executive Director Senior Communications Specialist HGEA Bargaining Units Receive Raises Fighting for you is what we do

Thanks to the hard- team was working toward an arbitration in February. With the arbitration panel working HGEA date as The Public Employee went to rendering its decision in April, there was bargaining unit negotiating teams, staff print. Each bargaining unit’s salary time for legislators to approve and pass SEPTEMBER 2017 and Executive Director Randy Perreira, increases vary slightly (for unit-specific funding legislation by the end of the raises for the following bargaining units details, log in to your member dashboard legislative session in May. 3 were effective July 1, 2017: Unit 2 (blue- on the HGEA website at hgea.org). All units have two-year contracts with the collar supervisors), Unit 3 (white-collar 2016 was a tough year for contract exception of Unit 6, which has a four-year non-supervisors), Unit 4 (white-collar negotiations as the employers were contract. That means it will be a quick supervisors), Unit 6 (educational officers), holding the line on their insulting offer turnaround for the teams to prepare Unit 8 (administrative, professional and of no pay raises for two years and only a once again to go back to the bargaining technical employees of the University one percent bonus. A bonus is not added table. HGEA will be asking for contract of Hawaii and community colleges), to an employee’s base salary. Due to a proposal ideas shortly. Please watch for Unit 9 (registered nurses), and Unit 13 lack of meaningful negotiations, impasse an eBulletin or contact your union agent (professional and scientific employees). for most units was filed in late 2016 and or negotiating team members to discuss Our Unit 14 (state law enforcement, ocean arbitration hearings were conducted and submit your proposal. and water safety officers) negotiating

Union Services Here For You!

HGEA pop-ups on Oahu Lunch + Learn sessions

To better serve you and be Do you have questions about your rights as a more accessible to you, HGEA public worker? Want to know what the benefits is “popping up” at different of being in a union are? Do you wonder why worksites and may be coming political action is important? soon to a location near you! You bring the questions, we’ll bring the lunch. The HGEA pop-ups, or one-stop mobile union shops, started For several years now, HGEA has been conducting Lunch + Learns for in June on Oahu, with HGEA staff going out to help members all members. A Lunch + Learn is a worksite meeting offered to HGEA with various union needs and concerns — from contract stewards and members in an effort to provide you with pertinent questions and workplace issues to membership services and information about the union and its services, as well as to keep you discounted movie tickets. informed about what’s currently happening at HGEA. Topics are selected We are looking to possibly expand the pop-ups to the based on member feedback and requests. neighbor islands. Look out for upcoming eBulletins to find out To schedule a Lunch + Learn at your workplace, please contact your when and where we’ll pop up next. island division office. WORKING FOR YOU:

“I’ve been an HGEA Your HGEA State Board of Directors member for more than 24 years. I eventually To serve on any organizational board, including HGEA’s state board became involved with our union — first as of directors, it takes time, commitment and a desire to make a positive a steward then as part difference for members. Your newly elected president and board of the unit board, SEPTEMBER 2017 Oahu advisory council, of directors are here to serve you and help guide HGEA toward a negotiations committee 4 sustainable future. and now state board — because it just made sense. We, the members, are the The board of directors is comprised enough to squeak into the last of four union; we are HGEA. In order to make HGEA strong and effective, we members need to of your fellow HGEA members who seats. For me, the votes sent a positive stay informed, get involved, remain active are just like you, who work in the state message that members don’t mind if in our union, and work together. I know and counties and who want to keep they don’t know me personally yet — for myself, it’s helped me get out of my our island home running safely and that what’s important is to have the comfort zone, be better at my job, develop personally and professionally, and give efficiently — they are individuals from passion and desire to really make this back to the community. Through HGEA’s interesting, diverse backgrounds union worth it for its paying members.” political, service and social activities, I’ve and jobs, involved in our union as made lifelong friendships and connections Or returning Kauai-at-Large Director well as in their communities. Among for which I am grateful and I value.” Priscilla Badua, who has had a nearly the directors, you’ll find, for example, JON GASPER, chair of the State Political Action 48-year public service career to date educational assistants, working Committee; extremely active in HGEA Community and has served on the HGEA board parents, children of union workers, Action projects, Kendall Scholarship fundraisers in different capacities over the years. and Family Fun Day events; son of a union recipients of varied higher education “With all that’s going on now in the operating engineer degrees and a former U.S. Army country and even our state, I somehow helicopter pilot. They are all volunteers feel more pressure as a board director,” and serve on the board without any “I wanted to become Badua says. “The responsibility is big, a state board member compensation. We appreciate their bringing light to our members how because this is the willingness and dedication. vehicle I thought critical it is to get involved and stay would be best to get Newcomers and familiar faces form involved with our union. But I believe my fellow Unit 3 voices your current board of directors. we have been working hard to develop heard. I also feel that Like Zack Stoddard, a relatively new members to become leaders who can by being on the state board it gives me HGEA member who quickly became continue to help move HGEA forward first-hand knowledge of what is happening a steward after he started working even after I and others retire.” in our union that I could confidently pass at the State Department of Health in down to all members. The passing down of We invite you to get to know your 2016. “Honestly, I didn’t think it would knowledge to our members is necessary 2017-2019 state board of directors. to keep them informed and at ease so that be worth running for the board of we can cultivate new leaders and activists Read some of their testimonials here, directors since I’m the new guy and for our union. I believe my role as a board and visit www.hgea.org for more haven’t met very many members yet,” member is to make decisions that will benefit information on the current directors he says. “However, my friend and fellow members, to stay active and involved, to and their email addresses. Feel free support staff, and to join the fight against HGEA member Nathan Hall convinced the right-to-work (for less) movement.” to email them — they look forward to me to give it a shot, and I was lucky hearing from you! KEHAULANI MAKAILA, chair of HGEA’s Next Wave Committee; grew up in Waimanalo as the daughter of a Honolulu union firefighter 2017-2019 HGEA State Board of Directors

PRESIDENT “Several years “What I’m ago I was having hoping to Jackie Ferguson-Miyamoto Office Assistant issues with my accomplish is State Department of Transportation, Harbors Division supervisor, and that we can Oahu I spoke with my widen the base steward on how for our island HAWAII-AT-LARGE DIRECTOR to address my (Kauai) and our Sandra Moses situation. Wow, state in terms Clerk Typist SEPTEMBER 2017 Hilo Medical Center, Respiratory Division it worked! For a of leadership. Hawaii while … My supervisor went back to I believe we need to engage and 5 his bad habits. I was later invited to develop members with fresh ideas KAUAI-AT-LARGE DIRECTOR attend the HGEA Biennial General and perspectives to keep our union Priscilla A. Badua Assembly, an experience that opened strong. We also need to become Supervisor my eyes as to how the union works. more politically active and visible. State Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division I wanted to help other members I first got involved with HGEA Kauai understand. I became a steward and through PEOPLE (Public Employees almost immediately was elected to the Organized to Promote Legislative MAUI-AT-LARGE DIRECTOR Unit 8 board. After almost 10 years Equality), and I didn’t even know Hollie K. A. Dalapo of Unit 8 experience, I knew it was what PEOPLE was at the time. My Secretary time to run for a seat on the HGEA father was heavily involved with his State Judiciary/Intergovernmental & Community state board and get to know the union over 60 years ago. Back then Relations Division/Children’s Justice Centers Maui overarching workings of our union it was rare to see a woman hold beyond my unit. In my second term as office in a union. I’m sure he would OAHU-AT-LARGE DIRECTOR a director, I hope to continue to build be proud to know his only child Douglas Pyle unity among our different units. I am and daughter is following in his Mental Health Volunteer Services Specialist also the youngest of nine siblings. I footsteps and helping to State Department of Health, Adult Mental Health believe the diverse personalities of lead our union and bring about Oahu my brothers and sisters have allowed positive change.” UNIT 2 DIRECTOR me to understand and get along with a wide variety of people.” PRISCILLA BADUA, holds a bachelor’s Ken K. Morikawa degree in social welfare from California District Road Overseer ELWYN WATKINS, director of his State University, Fresno; daughter of an County of Kauai, Department of Public Works, Roads Division condominium homeowner’s association. active ILWU (International Longshore Kauai Fun fact: He’s a twin (and again, he comes and Warehouse Union) member leader from a family of nine kids!) and sugar plantation worker UNIT 3 DIRECTORS Alison Juliano Educational Assistant Jon A. Gasper State Department of Office Assistant Education, Windward “I’ve worked for city and county governments for over a State Department of District decade, most recently with the City of Philadelphia, where Commerce and Consumer Oahu Affairs, Professional and I was also a union member. But even before that, as a Vocational Licensing/Real Adele N. Koyama kid growing up in a small town on the central coast of Estate Branch Secretary to the Dean California, I watched and listened (sometimes ad nauseam) Oahu University of Hawaii at as my mom poured her energy into her nurses union, Hilo, College of Arts and Angie K. Hashimoto Sciences fighting for nurses’ rights and better nurse-to-patient ratios Educational Assistant Hawaii to improve patient care. When they went on strike, she State Department of dragged me out to the picket line and shoved a sign in my Education, Windward Kehaulani A. Makaila Educational Assistant hands. Maybe I didn’t really know what was going on at the time or why I had District Oahu State Department of to be there, but over the course of my career I’ve come to see that unions are Education, Windward working families, and that all her efforts came out of love for me, my sister, her Joycelyn “Jolly” Iwata District patients, and workers everywhere.” (SECRETARY) Oahu Secretary State Department of ZACK STODDARD, lived in California, Washington State, Philadelphia, Taiwan and Health, Adult Mental Colombia before coming to Hawaii in 2016; active member of the Punchbowl/Nuuanu Health Division Neighborhood Board Kauai continued on page 6 2017-2019 HGEA State Board of Directors continued from page 5 HAWAII LABOR BOARD RULES IN FAVOR OF UNIT 4 DIRECTOR Harold K. Naone HGEA: Medical Examiner’s Supervising Police Radio Dispatcher Honolulu Police Department, Communications Investigators Join Unit 13

SEPTEMBER 2017 Oahu

UNIT 6 DIRECTOR 6 Francine W. Honda (VICE PRESIDENT) Principal State Department of Education Oahu

UNIT 8 DIRECTOR Elwyn L. Watkins Building and Security Systems Engineer University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine Oahu

UNIT 9 DIRECTOR Josette “Jojo” Kawana Registered Nurse State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division Oahu

UNIT 13 DIRECTORS Jessica E. R. Carroll Behavioral Health Specialist State Department of Education, School-Based Behavioral Health Hawaii The City Medical Examiner’s investigators and investigative and operations supervisors Roberta Chun will be transferred from Units 3 and 4 to Unit 13. GIS Analyst City & County of Honolulu, Department of Design and Construction, Project Control/Contract Management When a person dies unexpectedly, accidently or violently on Oahu, Oahu it’s not only police who respond. City and County of Honolulu Medical Zack Stoddard Examiner’s investigators are there, too. These investigators are the Planner State Department of Health, Office of Environmental men and women who gather evidence, determine the facts, and talk Quality Control to witnesses to help the medical examiner determine a person’s cause Oahu of death. Often, they are also tasked with the difficult job of letting a Bennett T. Yap (TREASURER) Information Technology Specialist family member know that their loved one has passed. The advanced State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations education, knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform these Oahu jobs are more consistently found in Bargaining Unit 13 than in UNIT 14 DIRECTOR Bargaining Units 3 and 4. Michael S. Oakland Deputy Sheriff (Lieutenant) Department of Public Safety, Sheriff Division Based upon HGEA’s petition to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, Oahu the Board ruled Medical Examiner’s Investigators I and II and Medical Examiner’s Investigative and Operations Supervisors are to be transferred from Bargaining Units 3 and 4, respectively, to Bargaining Unit 13. Francis Santa Monica has been the school food services manager for Ewa Makai Middle School on Oahu since the school opened in 2010. SEPTEMBER 2017

7 CULTIVATING THE ART OF FOOD SERVICE “My career has hroughout his nearly 30-year culinary career, Francis TSanta Monica has lived and worked by his own creed of been such a working hard and giving back. His impressive work ethic great experience … and compassion for the students and his community have I work with and not gone unnoticed. Last year the Ewa Makai Middle School’s school food services manager was honored by the State have worked with Department of Education with the 2016 Manager of the Year great people.” award for special and continued contributions to improve the quality and effectiveness of school services.

continued on page 8 Francis Santa Monica (center) and his cafeteria staff, who are part of UPW: (from left to right) Paul Ringholz, school baker; Jesus Cadiz, Preparing lunches for more than 1,000 kids at Ewa Makai SEPTEMBER 2017 cafeteria helper; Rowena Supnet, school cook; and Reggie Robello, cafeteria helper Middle School

8

The recognition is one for which Santa and excel together,” and Santa Monica meals for school events and sets aside Monica is proud yet not comfortable certainly embodies that vision, with lunches for students involved with talking about. “It was very humbling, his help and support of afterschool school lunchtime activities. something I never expected,” he said programs, school fundraising efforts He even takes the time to help students modestly. He instead gives credit to his and mentoring. It’s no surprise that think about their future and possible staff, other co-workers and the school teachers describe him as the “heart of careers, and has taught cooking administration for all their support. the school” and students look up to him classes for interested students. For “I work with and have worked with as a role model. Ewa Makai Middle School’s grand great people,” he added. “I appreciate For someone like Santa Monica who he opening on Oahu in 2010, he trained all of my past and present cafeteria says his sister recalls “was hardly ever students in the art of food service and supervisors and school administrators in school” growing up, the approval of waiting tables, even providing them for their guidance and patience. And the students is a high compliment for with uniforms so they could really I’m thankful for my co-workers and him. “I wished I had someone to mentor understand and appreciate a true other cafeteria managers for always me when I was younger to keep me out dining experience. “I tell them to work providing help when needed.” of trouble,” he said, laughing. hard and don’t be afraid to get out of In nominating Santa Monica for the their comfort zone,” said Santa Monica, Ensuring that the students eat a healthy award, former Ewa Makai Middle who also encourages and helps his meal, especially their vegetables — he School Principal Edward Oshiro, who co-workers to advance in their careers. noted that they are competing with recently retired, praised Santa Monica many fast food restaurants near the The students are the reason he for being an exemplary manager who school — Santa Monica provides gives back to the school and to the “has systematically transformed and healthy snacks and refreshments community. What he enjoys most is modified the function and efficiency for students involved in afterschool working with them and helping them of lunch preparation, service, and programs and community learning realize their potential. “I’ve bumped management.” Ewa Makai Middle projects, prepares special gourmet into many of the students from previous School’s vision is to “empower, explore schools I worked at years ago,” he shared. “It is satisfying that many remember me, and to talk to them and Santa Monica embodies Ewa know that they are in a good place, that Makai Middle School’s vision they’re working or going to school.” to “empower, explore and excel Santa Monica is glad someone realized together,” and teachers describe his own potential. Prior to joining the him as the “heart of the school.” DOE, he had worked as an apprentice service program has evolved since I vast experience in the food service painter, a fish cutter, and a cook at was first hired in the state almost 30 industry, he has been invited and has various restaurants. Having earned a years ago so I learned how to adjust as attended planning meetings for new culinary arts degree, he began his public needed. There continue to be changes schools where he has given his input service career as a cafeteria helper to the program, and with that we must regarding optimal cafeteria layout and at Mililani High School, moving up to continue to adapt in order to be able to the right type of equipment to purchase. school cook at McKinley High School sustain and have a successful program.” He truly enjoys his work and said he and later Pearl City Elementary School. It’s no easy feat feeding more than has been fortunate in his career — With much encouragement from 1,000 middle-school children. Daily they memorable highlights include cooking SEPTEMBER 2017 his wife, he decided to apply for serve 780 lunches and 150 breakfasts for state officials and for local recording the position of school food services — that’s about 4,650 meals every week. artist Jack Johnson — and has 9 manager, or cafeteria manager, as it And for all of last year Santa Monica “developed lasting relationships with is commonly called. After numerous and his staff took on the challenge such a great set of people.” interviews on Oahu, he got the job, but of preparing meals for an additional Santa Monica is a proud union it was at Kekaha Elementary School on 1,000 kids at Ewa Elementary School member, too. Every spring he is one Kauai. “Thank God for someone giving while Campbell High School was being of the cafeteria managers helping at me a shot,” Santa Monica said. At the renovated (Campbell provides meals to the annual cookie bake fundraiser on time his oldest son was just born, yet Ewa Elementary). They’ll be even busier Oahu for HGEA’s Charles R. Kendall he felt it was an opportunity he could in two years when construction is done Scholarship and Education Fund. For not pass up. He moved back to Oahu and sixth graders move in to Ewa Makai him, it is again about the students. “It’s after one year and worked as the school Middle School. always nice and so vital to give back food services manager at Kalihi Uka As a manager, Santa Monica’s work is to people and the community through Elementary School for nine years. more administrative — menu planning, these types of programs,” he said. “My career has been such a great recordkeeping, working with vendors, We are impressed with his dedication to experience, a lot of character growth,” ordering provisions and supplies, his job, school and students as well as to he acknowledged. “The school food ensuring cafeteria equipment is safe his family. The spare time he has is spent and operates properly — but you’ll with his wife and children, including often find him on the line helping his being an assistant scoutmaster for his cooks, bakers and cafeteria helpers. sons’ Boy Scout troop. What he values is Santa Monica remarked that technology helping others be successful in life. And has made his job much easier, from he passes along this piece of advice: ordering food supplies to inventory, “Try your best in all you do, but most of and federal guidelines are in place for all enjoy it.” healthier meals for students. With his

Pictured with former Hawaii Schools Superintendent Kathryn Giving out cafeteria duty assignments Matayoshi and Gov. David Ige, Francis Santa Monica received the to students State Department of Education’s 2016 Manager of the Year award. HGEA members working SEPTEMBER 2017

10 for you

Every day, there is an HGEA member working to provide vital services to the public. These members help to keep our state and counties running smoothly and our communities safe. As an architect with the Planning Branch of the State Department of Accounting and General Services, Dora Choy (Unit 13) manages all of the State buildings along with review of any leases state agencies have and is involved in master planning. She and her fellow engineers are working on a statewide master plan to reduce lease rent to save the state money. They are also working on another project, the Waimanalo Master Plan, which Choy says “is helping the community to have a voice to be able to influence projects and changes that affect the community as a whole.”

After having lived and worked overseas for several years, Betty Odgers (Unit 3) and her family now call Hawaii their home. As the school administrative services assistant at Kaiser High School, which is comprised of 1,100 students from grades 9-12, Odgers’ myriad of duties includes managing the day-to-day operations of the school, payroll, supervising the front office staff, handling attendance, processing new hires and workers’ compensation and executing the school budget. She previously worked in nursing and health care management and also has experience in administrative work and human resources. “We love being in Hawaii,” Odgers raves. In their spare time, they paddle, hike, go to the beach and revel in all that Hawaii has to offer. Derek Higashi (Unit 3) enjoys his job as office assistant at Lyon Arboretum, a 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden in Manoa Valley managed by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Among his duties are the fiscal responsibility of processing payments for goods and services to keep the arboretum functioning and balancing various SEPTEMBER 2017 UH Foundation accounts as well as answering the main phone line and 11 helping visitors. He helps maintain the gift shop by taking inventory and staffs it when volunteers are not available. He is also the editor of the arboretum’s newsletter, The Kukui Leaf. “I do sit behind a desk most of the day,” Higashi says, “but I am lucky I can go out and take in the views and sounds from the rain forest that surrounds us.”

A registered nurse with the State Department of Public Safety in Hilo, Lori Vereze (Unit 9) recently transferred from Hawaii Community Correctional Center to Kulani Correctional Facility, which re-opened in 2014 after having been closed for five years. Vereze is responsible for providing nursing care to facility inmates including the performance of patient assessments, collection of laboratory specimens, responding to medical emergencies, assisting physicians with clinical care, scheduling appointments, maintenance of patient documentation and health education. She has been an HGEA member for nearly 24 years and has also worked at Hilo Medical Center.

Administered by the City & County of Honolulu’s Customer Services Department, the Satellite City Halls provide many government services for the general public. At the Waianae Satellite City Hall, you’ll findNicole Kaopua (Unit 3), a customer service representative, eager to help. From motor vehicle registration and renewal, dog tag and registration and real property tax payment to bus passes, disability parking placards, voter registration and water bill payment, Kaopua and her fellow co-workers are there to assist you with numerous services and transactions. The Waianae Satellite City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. COACHES & MENTORS: HGEA Members Keep Team Spirit High in Jobs

SEPTEMBER 2017 UH Wahine Softball

12 Coach Gears Up for Next Season

Looking to support Hawaii’s student athletes, fellow HGEA members and have free family fun at the same time? Why not check out the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine softball team led by Unit 8 HGEA member Bob Coolen.

Coolen — UH’s all time winningest softball coach — is entering his 28th year coaching the Rainbow Wahine Softball team. Right now he’s gearing up to begin practice for the 2018 season. The regular season runs from February to May.

Although the Wahine softball stadium sits in the shadow of the world class Les Murakami baseball stadium, if you’ve experienced a game there, you already know that it’s a hidden gem. Besides the free admission, the stadium seats are so close to the action that you won’t miss a swing. Coach Coolen wants fans to know that many improvements are underway for the 2018 season. “We’ve always wanted to make a facility to rival the Power 5 stadiums now being built,” says Coolen. “This year we are getting a facelift with the entire stadium being painted, we’re getting field turf, new protective nets for the bleachers to keep the fans safe, and in the outfield — a higher protective Bob Coolen (Unit 8), University of Hawaii Wahine softball coach net to keep balls off of the tennis courts and new fence padding to help prevent injuries to the athletes.” “We have a great bunch of parents who travel with the team on many of our away games. We always potluck and our parents go all Coolen is excited for the stadium improvements, but out with the food. It’s really a lot of fun.” for him, it’s always been the players and their families that set the program apart. “The camaraderie and Thanks for your great work with the teams over the years, sense of ohana is what prospective players and their Coach Coolen, and thank you for being part of HGEA. We’ll see parents notice and want to be part of,” Coolen adds. you at the games! Maintaining Parks and Winning Games SEPTEMBER 2017

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Michael “Shag” Hermosura (Unit 2), City & County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation groundskeeping supervisor

You may know Coach Michael “Shag” As a leader, he likes to Hermosura as the man who led deflect all credit for his his Campbell High School Sabers work to his team and softball team to three Hawaii state has a saying: “The men championships in a row. He’s a well- make the supervisor. known and highly respected coach If you take care of the in high school sports circles and has men, the men take care gotten plenty of facetime on OC 16 — of you.” It’s something now Spectrum OC 16 — and in he learned years ago the newspaper. from his former bosses. Shag Hermosura with Robert Yamamoto (Unit 2), park grounds But did you know that his day job is On union membership, maintenance supervisor making sure some of Honolulu’s most Hermosura comments, beautiful parks and their facilities “You may think you won’t ever need your activities, such as youth soccer practices. are kept in good working condition? union, but they are always there when Hermosura and his team are part of Hermosura is a City & County of you need help. You hope everything a larger group of public workers who Honolulu Parks and Recreation goes right, take care of your business quietly get the job done for the benefit groundskeeping supervisor, and he’s but if something does happen, it’s good of all who enjoy these open spaces. been on the job for nearly 20 years. to know your union is there.” Let’s remember and celebrate all the He’s also a proud Unit 2 HGEA member. In his nearly 20 years on the job, he good work that public workers do to His parks and recreation area of and his crews have prepped the parks benefit our city, counties and the state. responsibility stretches from Paki Hale for countless high profile events, Dedication to public service is more to Kapiolani Park and includes the including the annual Okinawan Festival, than a job, it’s a calling. bandstand, tennis courts and more. the Honolulu Marathon, and everyday continued on page 14 Coaches and Mentors continued from page 13

After dominating the island coaching scene, “I know the the opportunities are endless for Reggie value of Torres. Still, the educational assistant (EA) and Unit 3 member is happy where he’s at. my union” Kahuku High School’s most recognizable coach has been running the school’s

SEPTEMBER 2017 In School Suspension (ISS) and lockout programs for the past 22 years. “Oh, jeez, 14 this isn’t just a job with paperwork. It’s for Reggie Torres (Unit 3), educational the kids. It’s helping the kids,” he says. assistant at Kahuku High School

Most of the students in ISS or lockout things I say hits home, and sometimes job and no one ever gave me problems,” are there for offenses ranging from it doesn’t. But if we have the chance to he begins. “Then a few years ago, new insubordination to tardiness, but Torres guide someone back to doing the right administration came in and messed with doesn’t see this as a place to dole out thing for their future, we gotta try.” a lot of people on campus — teachers, harsh discipline. It’s an opportunity for EAs, athletic coaches in particular. At the Although ISS has become an institutional him to rehabilitate and educate. “This is time I was still head football coach (as well fixture at many schools, Torres knows more than just babysitting,” he says with a as wrestling and judo), but they made us his position could be eliminated at any laugh. “It’s a chance to look at a situation, all reapply.” Having already completed time. “At Kahuku, my position is a bought and try to find a solution. I don’t like to be his exit interview after a winning football position. If they decide they don’t want the mean guy. A lot of these kids come in season, Torres wasn’t expecting any major the position, they don’t have to buy it, and and say ‘aww, coach, sorry, I’m late again’ changes. “I had great evaluations, and just like that, I’m out,” he says, explaining or ‘I missed the bus, I’m sorry, uncle.’ It’s then during the re-application process, that recent changes at the legislature not about chewing them out. They know they hired someone else,” he says, now grant public schools the authority to they did something wrong and now they referring to the football coaching position. budget at their own discretion. Not one have a chance to make it right.” “I found out when I saw it on the news. I to be easily discouraged, Torres spoke couldn’t do anything, because as coaches, Prior to gaining permanent status as a to his steward and fellow Unit 3 member we’re not in a union. The only reason they state employee, Torres was among a small and HGEA state board director, Alison could do it is because we don’t have any group of individuals selected to develop Juliano, who reassured him that his job union support.” a pilot program aimed at rehabilitating was protected by our union. “If it wasn’t troubled students. Although Torres helped for Alison, I wouldn’t know any of this Although he no longer coaches football at ISS evolve into a statewide program, 22 contract language. But now that I do, I’m Kahuku High School, Torres’ confidence years later, he admits it isn’t always easy. good to go.” in our union allows him peace of mind “I see a lot of kids that give me trouble. while he continues his job as educational In today’s economy, it’s not unusual for So I try to counsel them and get them to assistant, coaches wresting and judo public employees to have a second job. think more about what’s coming down during the school year and oversees Torres has the same employer for two the road instead of just focusing on what various athletic programs during the different jobs — educational assistant and they wanna do right now,” he says. “And summer. “That’s the thing about unions,” high school athletics coach. The only, and so many of these kids come back 10, 20 he says. “They know more about our arguably largest, difference is that one years later and go ‘eh, coach! You should rights in the workplace than we do. It’s job is unionized and the other is not. “I’ve see what I’m doing now — I’m so much our jobs and our quality of life that they’re always been in a union (as an EA), but I better,’ and that’s what this is all about,” protecting. And we need the protection.” never thought I’d need the union. I did my he says heartily, adding, “some of the Workers Day March & Rally Executive Director Randy Perreira “exceeds WORKER RIGHTS ARE CIVIL RIGHTS expectations” on annual board evaluation

In June, the outgoing 2015-2017 HGEA State Board of Directors conducted its annual performance SEPTEMBER 2017 evaluation of Executive Director Randy Perreira for the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017. 15 Perreira received “Exceeds Expectations” in all eight categories: Vision, Mission & Strategic Plan; Collective Bargaining; Legislative & Political Process; Planning & Programming; Working Relationships; Managing Resources; Personal; and Overall.

On May 1, 2017, hundreds of union members on Oahu came together On behalf of the board, 2015-2017 President Jackie in a show of solidarity to support workers’ rights on International Ferguson-Miyamoto stated: “The Board of Directors Workers’ Day. Marching from the State Capitol to the federal building, feels Randy demonstrates a high level of commitment to the organization’s philosophy, goals and mission; workers from both public-sector and private-sector unions rallied and effectively represents the collective interests of against anti-labor proposals in Congress and the current president and the organization and members in his interactions administration’s attacks to undermine unions and further weaken the with others. In all the significant categories discussed right to bargain decent pay and affordable healthcare. in this evaluation, Randy has maintained quality leadership and continues to provide our union the “Labor unions have been responsible for creating and keeping a strong exemplary service of a caring Executive Director.” middle class,” says Kehau Makaila, a Unit 3 HGEA member. “The so- called ‘right to work’ laws actually take away rights from working people. They really should be called ‘no rights at work’ or ‘right to work We want to hear from you! for less’ because they make it harder for workers to form unions and Send Us Your 2018 Legislative Proposals collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.” Have an idea for a new statute? Should an existing “In our glorious fight for Along with HGEA, law be amended? What do you think about HGEA’s legislative priorities? We’re gearing up for the next other organizations civil rights, we must guard legislative session, and we want to know! against being fooled by false represented included the Hawaii State Teachers Your Island Division and State Political Action slogans, such as ‘right to Committees are now accepting proposals for the 2018 Association, the Hawaii work.’ It is a law to rob us of legislative package. Submit your proposals by Tuesday, Firefighters Association, our civil rights and job rights. Oct. 31, 2017; any method is acceptable — by completing UNITE HERE Local 5, the web-based form at www.hgea.org, by mailing a Its purpose is to destroy Pacific Media Workers letter, by fax, by email, by phone call or by dropping off labor unions and the freedom Guild, International your proposal at your island division office. Federation of of collective bargaining by If you have any questions, please contact Professional & Technical which unions have improved Michele Kurihara-Klein at [email protected] or Engineers Local 121, and wages and working (808) 543-0093. American Federation of conditions of everyone.” Government Employees, – Martin Luther King, Jr. among others. 2017-2018 Charles R. Kendall Scholarship and Russell K. Okata Scholarship Recipients

The Charles R. Kendall and Russell K. Okata Scholarships are available to HGEA members and their dependents who are attending or plan to attend a college, community college or university, or vocational, trade or other post-high school study on a full-time basis. Scholarship applications for the 2018–2019 school year will be available at www.hgea.org in mid-September.

$2,500 AWARD

SEPTEMBER 2017 TAMARA AKAU KHAILA MOKE-SAKAMOTO Eastern Washington University New York University 16 Parent: Teresa Caires (Unit 13) Parent: Korri Sakamoto (Unit 3) Kauai Hawaii

SABRINA PIKE SARAH PIKE Hamilton College Canisius College Parent: Rowena Pike (Unit 3) Parent: Rowena Pike (Unit 3) Hawaii Hawaii

KEALA SWAFFORD ALEXANDRIA TYAU University of Hawaii at Manoa Seattle University Parent: Kathy Swafford (Unit 3) Parent: Georgette Tyau (Excluded) Oahu Maui

$1,500 AWARD

KI‘ILAWEAU AWEAU ELIJAH EZEKIEL Ottawa University BERNARDO-FLORES BERNARDO-FLORES Parent: Dawn Tanaka Chaminade University Chaminade University (Retiree) Parent: Lene Bernardo Parent: Lene Bernardo Oahu (Unit 3) (Unit 3) Oahu Oahu

TRISTEN KENDRICK CHANG KAILEE DELA CRUZ BRYANT-OTAKE George Washington University of San Francisco University of Northern University Parent: Erica Roldan (Unit 3) Colorado Parent: Alisa Chang (Unit 3) Oahu Parent: Holly Bryant (Unit 3) Oahu Oahu

JENNIFER DOIRON KOBI GIMA KRISTI HIRATA Concordia University - University of Hawaii at University of Portland Portland Manoa Parent: Karen Hirata (Unit 13) Parent: Jeanine Okuhara Parents: Ann Gima (Unit 13) & Hawaii (Unit 3) Harry Gima (Unit 3) Kauai Oahu 2017–2018 Scholarship Recipients

PAUL HUTCHINSON EMMA KAM DEJA KAMAKA-RAMOS University of Hawaii at University of Hawaii at University of Hawaii at Manoa Manoa Manoa Parent: Mary Claire Parents: Stacy Riede (Unit 13) Parent: Daralyn Ramos Hutchinson (Unit 13) & James Kam (Unit 8) (Associate) Oahu Oahu Oahu

CASSIDY KELII EMMA LEARY LAUREN LEE Northern Arizona University Gonzaga University Chapman University Parent: Moana Hokoana Parent: Marlene Leary Parent: Sammy Lee (Unit 8) (Associate) (Unit 6) Oahu Hawaii Kauai SEPTEMBER 2017

17

PENNY LOO TYLER LUM LEEE MIYAHIRA University of Hawaii at University of Hawaii at Hawaii Pacific University Manoa Manoa Parent: Kathy Miyahira Parent: Dennis Loo (Unit 13) Parent: Julie Zane (Unit 13) (Unit 13) Oahu Maui Oahu

ASHLEY PARADEE FELIX PENG ANGELIKA QUESTIN Argosy University Northwestern University University of Hawaii at Unit 3 Member Parent: Ruisheng Peng Manoa Oahu (Unit 8) Parent: Celia Melchor- Hawaii Questin (Unit 13) Kauai

KIARA RAPOZO LACEY SANTOS SHAYD SHINSATO Kauai Community College University of San Francisco Oregon Health & Sciences Parent: Rose A. Rapozo Parent: Stacey Keomaka University (Unit 3) (Unit 3) Parent: Shari Shinsato Kauai Maui (Unit 13) Oahu

LEIGH ANN SHIROMA AULI‘I SOLOMON DAVIN TAKAHASHI University of Hawaii at Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa Parent: William Solomon III Manoa Parent: Loree Shiroma (Unit 3) Parent: Kevin Takahashi (Associate) Oahu (Unit 13) Oahu Oahu

TIERRA TETER RACHEL UTU KAYLA VALDEZ Point Loma Nazarene University of Hawaii at Lewis and Clark College University Manoa Parent: Marisol Valdez Parent: Danielle Navarrete Parent: Melanie Almazar-Utu (Unit 13) (Associate) (Unit 4) Oahu Kauai Oahu

ASHLYN WONG JENNIELEIGH YAMADA KIARIA ZOI NAKAMURA Syracuse University University of Southern University of Hawaii at Hilo Parent: Galen Wong California Guardian: Leslie Nakamura (Unit 13) Parent: Judy Yamada (Unit 13) Oahu (Unit 13) Hawaii Oahu HAWAII GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, LOCAL 152 AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO AND AFFILIATE

Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position June 30, 2016 and 2015

RESTATED ASSETS 2016 2015 2016 2015 CURRENT ASSETS: REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT: Cash and cash equivalents...... $ 4,945,349 $ 4,563,830 Statutory dues...... $ 12,133,578 $ 11,778,694 Time certificates of deposit...... 490,000 490,000 Affiliation fees...... 4,220,673 4,419,148 Accounts receivable...... 721,490 718,127 Rental income and recoveries...... 947,477 1,039,018 Interest receivable...... 12,612 18,726 Associate member dues...... 855,969 840,469 SEPTEMBER 2017 Prepaid expenses and other Grants ...... 165,800 315,000 current assets...... 61,838 62,365 Investment return ...... 106,063 11,157 18 Total current assets...... 6,231,289 5,853,048 Other income...... 821 316,717 INVESTMENTS...... 6,161,778 6,036,220 Total revenues and other support. . 18,430,381 18,720,203 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET. . . 7,705,627 8,177,925 $ 20,098,694 $ 20,067,193 EXPENSES: Program services: LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS (DEFICIT) Affiliation dues...... 4,220,673 4,419,148 Field services...... 3,555,577 4,440,108 CURRENT LIABILITIES Representation...... 1,387,669 1,113,236 Current maturities of long-term notes payable...... $ 342,242 $ 328,176 Communication...... 1,082,152 990,763 Accounts payable and General assembly...... 790,661 (4,296) other current liabilities...... 579,789 758,965 Legislation/political action ...... 339,921 960,319 Accrued vacation payable...... 829,341 824,953 Unit appropriations...... 189,800 185,576 Payable to AFSCME/AFL-CIO...... 180,813 184,504 Statewide recreation...... 155,742 196,817 Due to bargaining units...... 29,904 42,072 Board of directors...... 111,520 196,584 Deferred income...... 38,704 25,854 Steward’s incentive/training...... 78,864 64,949 Postretirement medical Negotiation/arbitration...... 35,249 145,508 benefit liability...... 195,756 209,338 Supporting services: Total current liabilities...... 2,196,549 2,373,862 General and administrative...... 5,493,764 4,263,714 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Operations of the Association...... 629,355 652,993 Notes payable, less current maturities. . 1,325,540 1,667,965 Property management...... 517,314 643,377 Defined benefit pension liability. . . . . 17,259,288 10,512,984 Total expenses...... 18,588,261 18,268,796 Postretirement medical benefit Change in net assets before liability, less current portion...... 5,881,587 5,451,503 other costs (credits)...... (157,880) 451,407 24,466,415 17,632,452 OTHER COSTS (CREDITS): NET ASSETS (DEFICIT): Pension related changes other than net periodic pension costs - Unrestricted: defined benefit pension plan. . . . . 6,479,760 1,487,157 Undesignated...... (8,658,507) (1,631,438) Benefit obligation related changes Designated for arbitration...... 1,342,776 1,189,177 other than net periodic costs - Designated for medical trust...... 1,161,604 1,148,114 postretirement medical plan . . . . (12,491) (1,012,547) Designated for future repairs...... 224,270 173,429 6,467,269 474,610 (5,929,857) 879,282 Change in net assets...... (6,625,149) (23,203) Noncontrolling Interest In Change in net assets attributable The Association...... (634,413) (818,403) to noncontrolling interest in the association ...... (183,990) (201,059) (6,564,270) 60,879 Change in net assets (deficit) $ 20,098,694 $ 20,067,193 attributable to the Union. . . .$ (6,809,139) $ (224,262)

Net assets at beginning of year. . . . .$ 60,879 $ 84,082 Change in net assets...... (6,625,149) (23,203) Net assets (deficit) at end of fiscal year...... $ (6,564,270) $ 60,879 SEPTEMBER 2017 Upcoming Events 19 Oahu November 2: West Hawaii – Operation October 3: Bingo (David Trask Building #207, Christmas Child Shoebox Project (West Hawaii 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) October 14: Labor of Love: A Union Give Back Civic Center, Building G, 5:30 p.m.) – Everyone is October 8: Golf (Waiehu Golf Course) Project (Waianae Elementary School) – Please welcome to bring their shoeboxes and goodies. contact [email protected] to volunteer or make There will be a work meeting to wrap, fill, and November 4: Tennis (Wells Park, 8:00 a.m. to a donation to this project. label the shoeboxes for pickup. Bring shoeboxes, 1:00 p.m.) tissue paper and whatever you are able to November 4: Movie Day – Thor: Ragnarok November 14: Hanafuda (David Trask Building donate to a child in need (third world country (Ward Theatres; movie begins at 9:30 a.m.) #207, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) children – no gels or liquids, i.e., toothpaste). If November 23: Meals on Wheels – Volunteers you would just like to donate items, please bring November 26: Golf (Waiehu Golf Course) needed to deliver meals on Thanksgiving Day them to the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G, December 17: Golf (Waiehu Golf Course) November 25: Family Fun Day with the from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. March UH Warriors (Football) – UH vs. BYU November 8: BINGO (Hawaii Island Division (Details to be announced) (Aloha Stadium, 4:00 p.m.) Office, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.) – Register online at December 6 and 7: HGEA Holiday Craft & Gift www.hgea.org. Bring a canned good to be February 17-19, 2018: Save the Date – State Fair (HGEA Kendall Building – 1st Floor, donated to The Food Basket. Bowling Tournament, KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Tournament applications will be 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.) November 9 – East Hawaii – Welcome Home available shortly! December 25: Meals on Wheels – Volunteers Vietnam Veterans (Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale, 11:30 needed to deliver meals on Christmas Day a.m.) Looking for volunteers to help serve lunch. For questions regarding the above events, please contact the Maui Division office at (808) 244-5508. January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade November 11 – West Hawaii – Veteran’s Day (begins at Ala Moana Park’s Magic Island, ends Celebration (Meet at West Hawaii Veteran’s Kauai at Kapiolani Park, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Cemetery at 8:00 a.m.) Help us to place leis on grave markers and columbarium. Will also be December 1: Lights on Rice – Parade up Rice January 17: Opening Day of the 2018 Hawaii placing leis on veterans’ graves in Kohala. Street to Old County Building (Meet at Vidinha State Legislative Session Stadium at 5:30 p.m.) November 12: HGEA Fellowship Tennis – All February 17-19, 2018: Save the Date – State HGEA members are welcome (Edith Kanakaole December 11: Kauai Division Christmas Get Bowling Tournament, KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, Tennis Stadium, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Together (Lihue Convention Hall, 5:30 p.m.) Hawaii. Tournament applications will be Cost: To be determined available shortly! December 2: East Hawaii – Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Christmas Caroling. (9:00 a.m. to January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. March For questions regarding the above events, please 9:00 p.m. fronting Macy’s Women’s Shoes) (Meet at HGEA Meeting Hall at 8:45 a.m.) – contact the Oahu office at (808) 543-0000. March to Kukui Grove Shopping Center; sign December 2: West Hawaii – Salvation Army holding; march back to HGEA Meeting Hall. Hawaii Bell Ringing, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., KTA Keauhou. Come and sing Christmas Carols, play the February 17-19, 2018: Save the Date – State September 27: BINGO (Hawaii Island Division ukulele, and dance the hula, all while helping Bowling Tournament, KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, Office, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.) – Register online at to collect monies for the Salvation Army. Hawaii. Tournament applications will be www.hgea.org. Bring a canned good to be available shortly! donated to The Food Basket. January 10: BINGO (Hawaii Island Division Office, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.) – Register online at For questions regarding the above events, please October 1: HGEA Fellowship Tennis – All HGEA www.hgea.org. Bring a canned good to be contact the Kauai Division office at (808) 245-6751. members are welcome (Edith Kanakaole Tennis donated to The Food Basket. Stadium, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) February 17-19, 2018: Save the Date – State November 1: East Hawaii – Operation Christmas Bowling Tournament, KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, Child Shoebox Project (Hawaii Island Division Hawaii. Tournament applications will be Event dates, times or locations may Office, 5:00 p.m.) – Everyone is welcome to bring available shortly! be subject to change. For updated their shoeboxes and goodies. There will be a work information on these and other events, meeting to wrap, fill, and label the shoeboxes For questions regarding the above events, please for pickup. Bring shoeboxes, tissue paper and contact the Hawaii Division office at (808) 935-6841. visit the HGEA website at www.hgea.org, whatever you are able to donate to a child in look for details in upcoming eBulletins or need (third world country children – no gels or Maui check with your island division office. liquids, i.e., toothpaste). September 30: Golf (Waiehu Golf Course) CONNECT WITH HGEA

www.hgea.org/registration

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THE CORE BENEFITS OF BEING AN HGEA MEMBER

Your union (and contract) is the reason you have such benefits as 21 days vacation, 21 days sick leave, paid holidays and medical coverage. We make sure you’re taken care of. With your HGEA membership, you get:

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS QUALITY REPRESENTATION LEGISLATIVE ACTION for for fair salaries, safe working if you need help in public worker contract funding conditions, vacation/sick leave investigations and grievances and worker issues and to guard and health benefits against takeaways

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES EXCLUSIVE MEMBER from skilled and professional BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS staff to handle your inquiries (discounts, events, scholarships, and address your concerns and more)

Through the years, the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) has helped to accomplish many important employment milestones for Hawaii’s workers. Following PAID VACATION STATE SUBSIDIZED OVERTIME RETIREMENT are just a few of the achievements HGEA AND SICK DAYS MEDICAL AND DENTAL PAY SYSTEM has fought hard for and won, and is continuing to stand strong to preserve and advance employee rights and benefits and to ensure workers are treated with PAID HOLIDAYS 5 DAY 40 HOUR COLLECTIVE FINAL AND BINDING fairness and equity. WORK WEEK BARGAINING ARBITRATION