Russell Okata

From dKosopedia

Categories: Hawaii stub | Unions in Hawaii

Russell Okata has served as executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) since 1981. HGEA represents 24,000 city and state workers and another 19,000 retirees and associate members.

According to a Star-Bulletin article in Dec 30, 2004, Rick Daysog wrote "When Democrats gained several legislative seats in last November's election, it reinforced Russell Okata's reputation as a kingmaker in Hawaii politics.

As several Democratic House candidates were locked in highly contested races against opponents endorsed by a popular Republican governor, 60-year-old Okata and members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association stepped in with their grass-roots support network that included sign-waving, mailers and political donations.

The campaign by the HGEA and other unions was a factor in the Democrats' efforts to unseat five Republican incumbents in the House, reversing GOP gains during the past elections.

The losses of those House seats will make it more difficult for Gov. Linda Lingle to reject pro-labor measures that are approved by the Democratic-controlled Legislature."

External Link

• 10 WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE: Russell Okata (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12-30-05)
• HR tees off on HGEA (Poinography, 12-7-05)