Hawaii Teachers Unions

The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Hawaii serve as the primary organizations representing K–12 teachers and education professionals in Hawaii. Both focus on advocacy, collective bargaining, and professional development, while offering members services such as legal support, insurance, and access to educational resources.

Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA)

Leadership

• President: Osa Tui, Jr.
• Vice President: Logan Okita
• Treasurer/Secretary: Cheney Kaku

Organization
The HSTA is a statewide union representing K–12 public school teachers in Hawaii. It focuses on advocating for educators’ rights, negotiating contracts, and providing professional development and support services to its members.

Member Dues
Full-time educators typically pay around $860 annually, covering local, state, and national dues. Dues are deductible on state taxes but not on federal taxes.

Meetings
The HSTA holds an annual Delegate Assembly to set policy and elect officers. Local chapters conduct regular meetings, and the Board of Directors meets periodically to oversee operations. School-level leaders serve two-year terms and attend monthly chapter representative assembly meetings

Requirements
Membership is open to individuals employed as public school teachers in Hawaii. Members are required to pay dues and adhere to the HSTA’s code of conduct.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• HSTA provides legal representation and grievance support for members.
• The union offers professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• HSTA advocates for public education policies at the state level.
• The organization facilitates networking and collaboration among educators statewide.

Cons

• Dues may be considered high by some members relative to the services received.
• Local priorities can be influenced by state-level decisions, potentially limiting local autonomy.
• The multi-layered structure may lead to perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies.
• Members must adhere to union policies, which may not always align with individual preferences.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Hawaii

Leadership

• AFT President: Randi Weingarten
• AFT Vice President:: Evelyn DeJesus
• AFT Treasurer/Secretary: Fedrick C. Ingram

Organization
AFT Hawaii is a state affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers, representing K–12 educators and higher education faculty in Hawaii. It provides support to local unions, advocates for education policies, and offers professional development resources.

Member Dues
Dues vary by local affiliate and member income. For example, members of AFT Local 3215 at the University of Hawaii pay dues based on a sliding scale tied to their income, with annual dues totaling roughly $286.

Meetings
Local AFT Hawaii chapters hold regular meetings to address workplace issues, review contract negotiations, and plan advocacy or professional activities. The state affiliate also organizes periodic conferences, workshops, and training sessions to provide professional development and coordinate statewide initiatives for members.

Requirements
Membership in AFT Hawaii is open to educators and education professionals employed at participating K–12 schools or higher education institutions. Prospective members must join through a local chapter, complete a membership form, and maintain payment of local, state, and national dues to access union benefits such as legal support, contract representation, and professional development.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• AFT Hawaii provides legal support and advocacy for members.
• The union offers professional development and networking opportunities.
• AFT Hawaii represents educators at the state and national levels.
• The organization supports local unions in contract negotiations and policy advocacy.

Cons

• Dues vary by local affiliate and may be considered high by some members.
• Local affiliates have autonomy, which may lead to inconsistencies in services and support.
• Membership requires joining through a local chapter, which may not be convenient for all educators.
• The multi-tiered structure may lead to perceived inefficiencies or lack of responsiveness.

Exercise Your Rights

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.