Randy Perreira is taking over as Executive Director of the HGEA, which represents 28,000 public employees.

He's replacing Russel Okata, who ran the union for 26 years.

Perreira told KGMB9 his biggest challenge this year will be trying to negotiating contracts as the economy slows.

"Once it becomes tighter in government and we've begun to hear that the economy well it's still at a good pace is tightening somewhat there are going to be cries, particularly about the cost of government employment," Randy Perreira, HGEA Executive Director.

Okata said he plans to spend the next 6 months doing nothing then a little golfing after that.

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