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PAO Mission

The mission of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense Public Affairs Office is to assess the public affairs situation, advise the Adjutant General and leadership on public affairs issues, assist them to make the best possible decisions and translate those decisions into an effective and executional public affairs strategy.

News Release

The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense news releases

News Release article

NEWS RELEASE: Hawaiʻi National Guard to Close Hilo Job Challenge Academy

May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026 #2026-005 HILO, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i National Guard (HING) will be closing the Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy (JCA) in Hilo following the current class graduation on June 22, 2026, due to federal budget cuts. JCA allowed graduates from the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) on O‘ahu, a chance…

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Media Advisory

The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense media advisories

Media Advisory article

MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony

May 19, 2026

#2026-001What: Governor’s Memorial Day CeremonyWhen: 12:45 p.m., May 25, 2026Where: Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery, 45-349 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāneʻohe Who: Governor Josh Green, State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, congressional leaders, state and county officials, U.S. military commanders, veterans and their families Details: Under…

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Na Koa Exchange

(Boots Wings and More) State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense podcast

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Talk story with Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Harris II

Join us for an insightful conversation as we sit down with Maj. Gen. Joseph Harris II for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about his journey through the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard. From enlisting in 1985 to rising through the ranks as an enlisted Airman, AGR member and eventually a senior leader, Harris shares how an unexpected path led him across states, career fields and leadership roles.

Royal Guard History and Heritage Podcast

We sit down with Randy Lum, Franklin Ho and Dr. Niklaus Schweitzer to explore the legacy of the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard’s Royal Guard. From its founding in the 1960s under Col. Walter Judd to its role in today’s ceremonial events, the conversation highlights the traditions, cultural significance and unique missions that make the Royal Guard a vital bridge between military service and Hawaiian heritage.

Hawaiʻi National Guard Family Readiness Programs Podcast

In this episode Rod and Malery DuPont chat about how Military and Family Readiness serves as a go-to hub for Hawai‘i National Guard members and their families. From financial counseling and job support to youth programs, deployment resources like the Yellow Ribbon Program and emergency assistance, they cover it all, making sure no one has to tackle life’s challenges alone.

Talk Story with Maj. Gen. Roy Macaraeg

Join us for an insightful conversation as we celebrate the retirement of Maj. Gen. Roy Macaraeg, Assistant Secretary of the Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs! In this video, we reflect on his career, legacy, leadership lessons, and the impact he’s made throughout his service. Whether you’re here to hear inspiring stories, leadership insights, or simply want to honor Macaraeg, this full podcast has something meaningful for everyone.

Chiefs 9

The inspiration behind the Chief’s 9 was to have a tool with consistent messaging from the Command Senior Enlisted Leader’s Office. It was meant as a guide and quick reference of carefully selected leadership philosophies that Command Chief Master Sgt. Zandra Fox wanted to share with the force as she conducted unit visits. The nine topics were selected to help get conversations going and mentorships started. Senior and “First-line” Non-Commissioned Officers were invited on the podcast series to tell their stories and inspire the force.

HING History: The sinking of the USAT Royal T. Frank

Lt Col. Kawika Hosea discuss a forgotten moment in World War II history, the sinking of the USAT Royal T. Frank and the survivors known as the “Torpedo Gang”.

Announcing the 2025 DEOCS

Members of the Integrated Primary Prevention Team talk about the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) 2025.

HIDOD PAOʻs new designer and the pūpūkahi

HIDOD Public Affairs Office introduces the new designer Ruben Duldulao and the redesign of the pūpūkahi newsletter.

HIDOD PAO’s new deputy and the HING history

HIDOD Public Affairs Office introduces the new deputy Rachel Blaire and looks at her project making the HIDOD history available online.

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Latest pūpūkahi

Pupukahi article

 2026 pūpūkahi Volume 56 No. 3

May 28, 2026

pupukahi-JUNE-2026-FINAL-rev.1-1Download HAWAI‘I NATIONAL GUARD Hawai‘i National Guard concludes response to severe weather events By Rachel Blaire | State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs Hawai‘i National Guard members removed debris, cleared mud and provided sandbags and potable water to…

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Links

Hawaiʻi National Guard Social Media Policy

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service 

DVIDS is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation providing a timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the world and the military serving worldwide.

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State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Leadership

Adjutant General

Deputy Adjutant General

Command Senior Enlisted Leader

Hawaiʻi Army National Guard

  • Hawaii Army National Guard Recruiting

Hawaiʻi Air National Guard

  • Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Recurting

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency

State of Hawaiʻi Office of Veteransʻ Services

Civilian-Military Programs

Youth Challenge Academy Oahu

Job Challenge Academy

STARBASE Hawaiʻi

Public Affairs Office

Phone: (808) 441-7000

Email: [email protected]

Staff

Meet the staff of the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Defense (HIDOD) Public Affairs Office

Maj (Ret) Jeff Hickman

Director of Communication

Retired Maj. Jeff Hickman

Retired Maj. Jeff Hickman became the Director of Public Affairs for the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Defense on Aug. 16, 2018. He serves as the principal communication advisor to the Hawaiʻi Adjutant General on communication strategy and public affairs requirements across all mission phases and domains. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard for 5 years and in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard for 22 years as both a federal technician and a drill-status Soldier.

Hickman graduated from the Kamehameha Schools at Kapalama and joined the Hawaii National Guard (HIARNG) in 1989 as a single channel radio operator. He then interstate transferred to Kansas and was a simultaneous servicemember while he attended college. He was commissioned through the ROTC program at the University of Kansas in 1994 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.

He joined the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard again as a drill status Soldier in 1996 and was a member of Headquarters, State Area Command’s Public Affairs Office and the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD). Hickman commanded two units in the HIARNG, the 12th Personnel Services Detachment and the 117th MPAD. He retired as a Major in 2019 as a member of the Joint Force Headquarters, HIARNG.

While in the HIARNG, Hickman participated in exercises such as Gema Bhakti, Tiger Balm, Cobra Gold, Makani Pahili and the Joint Readiness Training Center in 1999 with the 29th Brigade. Hickman deployed twice, once with the 29th Brigade Combat team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and then with the 117th MPAD in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In addition to federal mobilizations, Hickman served on several state missions and other notable state responses as the Deputy PAO or State PAO: Hawaiʻi Air National Guard F-15 crash in 2008, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2011, Puna lava flow in 2014, Kilauea lava flow and Hurricane Lane in 2018, TMT Protests in 2019, COVID-19 response in 2020, and most recently, the Maui Wildfires in 2023.

Hickman currently works at the Diamond Head campus. He and his PAO staff supports the TAG with all levels of communication, informs the public, elected officials and the HING Force utilizing all platforms of communication and is prepared to conduct crisis communications during natural or man-made emergencies.

He is married to Dani and is father to Jenna, Jacob, Kanani and Josh. He is a dogfather to Merry, Fauci and Kelce. Hickman loves the Kansas City Chiefs and is addicted to pickleball.