THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION

Legislation First – Membership Always

About HNGEA

Our Moʻolelo

How it all started

Our Legacy

The Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association (HNGEA) has proudly represented the enlisted members of the Hawaii National Guard for over five decades. Originally founded as the Hawaii National Guard NCO Association on 16 July 1964, our organization was established to give a unified voice to our enlisted community. On 9 May 1973, membership expanded to include all enlisted ranks, leading to our name change to HNGEA. This historic shift marked our commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for every enlisted Guardsman.

Our Mission

At HNGEA, our mission is simple yet powerful:
To give a voice to Enlisted National Guard members, their families, and retirees.
We are committed to protecting and enhancing the benefits and opportunities of our members at both the state and national levels. Whether it’s fighting for existing benefits or paving the way for new initiatives, we work tirelessly to support the men and women who serve in Hawaii’s National Guard.

What We Do

As a cornerstone of Hawaii’s National Guard community, HNGEA:

  • Advocates for legislation to strengthen and safeguard benefits for current service members, retirees, and their families.
  • Supports professional development and provides scholarships to help members achieve their educational goals.
  • Builds a strong network of camaraderie and mentorship across enlisted ranks.
  • Honors the legacy and continuity of the Guard by engaging with retired members and their families.

 

Why We’re Here

The HNGEA exists because we believe that every enlisted Guardsman deserves a voice. From advocating for legislation like TRICARE for all reservists to supporting state-level initiatives like the vehicle weight tax exemption, we work tirelessly to protect and expand the benefits that make a difference in the lives of our members and their families.

Get Involved

JOIN A COMMITTEE -RUN FOR OFFICE

HNGEA Committees

Our work is driven by dedicated committees that tackle key areas of advocacy, support, and organization:

Standing Committees

Committee Chairperson
Committee on Legislation
legislation@hngea.org
SMSgt (Ret.) Ramon “Maui” Quizon
Committee on Resolutions
resolutions@hngea.org
SMSgt (Ret.) Mark Taketa
Committee on Membership (Army) 1SG Ryan Baqui
Committee on Membership (Air) CMSgt Daniel Hiyama
Committee on By-Laws
bylaws@hngea.org
CMSgt (Ret.) Richard Costa
Committee on Finance
finance@hngea.org
SMSgt Melissa Mehm
Committee on Continuity and Retired Affairs
retiredaffairs@hngea.org
SGM (Ret.) Kathryn Arizo
Committee on Scholarships
scholarship@hngea.org
SMSgt Ian Rothstein
Committee on Junior Enlisted
juniorenlisted@hngea.org
CMSgt Anthony Hubbard
Committee on Ways and Means CMSgt Wilda Morita

Special Committees

Committee Chairperson
Committee on Nominations SGM (Ret.) Kathryn Arizo
Committee on Time and Place TSgt George Keko’olani

These committees are the backbone of our association, ensuring that every aspect of our mission is supported by experienced and passionate members.

Alaka’i

HNGEA Executive Council

Our team

We are ready to serve you

CMSgt (Ret.) Richard Costa

CMSgt (Ret.) Richard Costa

President

president@hngea.org
1SG Ryan Baqui

1SG Ryan Baqui

Army Vice President

army-vicepresident@hngea.org

CMSgt Daniel Hiyama

Air Vice President

air-vicepresident@hngea.org

TSgt George Keko’olani

Secretary

secretary@hngea.org

SMSgt Melissa Mehm

SMSgt Melissa Mehm

Treasurer

treasurer@hngea.org

SMSgt (Ret) Ramon "Maui" Quizon

SMSgt (Ret) Ramon "Maui" Quizon

Immediate Past President