Hawaiʻi Fire Department

2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

CHRIS HONDA
Battalion Chief (EMS)

Chris shares his 30+ years of experience in a level unparalleled among EMS leadership. Chris worked at the Operations level as a paramedic on the ambulance for all four Hawai’i Counties. He was instrumental coordinating with government healthcare agencies combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Chris is the epitome of a servant leader who has had a lasting positive impact on the community he serves.  

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee 

 

MATTHEW HO
Fire Captain (Hazmat)

Matt served as a primary safety officer on the largest events in HFD history including the 2018 Leilani eruption and the Mana Road fire. He is one of the most knowledgeable Hazmat captains and helps new specialists get a real understanding of Hazmat. Matt’s ability to share his wealth of knowledge has led to safer operations and a more efficient response to the community’s emergencies.  

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

JEREMY TEKURIO
Fire/EMS Medical Specialist II

FMS Tekurio has been serving full time with the Hawaii Fire Department for 15 years, 11 has been as a Paramedic on the busiest ambulance. His dedication to his colleagues and the community he serves, far exceeds the performance criteria set before him. Jeremy has taken on as much as anyone could ask, dedicating his life to the Fire Department, his co-workers, and the public he serves.

Hawaiʻi Police Department

 

2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

RIO AMON-WILKINS
Police Captain

HPD Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division (CID), has been in the department for over 24 years, working in multiple sections and positions. He is a true team player, and has fostered a high level of cooperation not only between CID and Patrol, but also HPD and other agencies.  Amon-Wilkins is a graduate of Honokaa High and Intermediate School, and has been married to his loving wife for 10 years and is a father to two lovely daughters. 

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee

TODD PATARAY
Police Lieutenant

Lieutenant Todd Pataray is a 22 year veteran of the Hawaii Police Department.  Lieutenant Pataray has been tasked with keeping track of the Hilo District’s accreditation proofs, district inventory tracking and disaster planning. He most recently coordinated the addition of fallen Captain Simeona to the Hawaii Police Department’s Memorial Wall insuring that the memory of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice are honored.  Lieutenant Pataray is an indispensable asset to the community as a member of the Hawaii Police Department. 
 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

KAREN HAMADA
Police Investigative Operations Clerk

Karen has been with HPD since 09/11/1979. With over 44 years of service, she is the longest tenured HPD employee. Karen goes above and beyond to help me each day, and the 36+ members of the Criminal Investigation Division. She has a great attitude, demeanor, work ethic, and always has a smile on her face. She is a model employee always willing to help others. Her loyalty and integrity are unquestionable. She is a true asset to HPD and Hawai’i County. 

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Department of Finance

2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

KEITA JO
Assistant County Real Property Tax 
Administrator

Keita leads by example, works tirelessly to get the work done and is self-motivated to learn more and help others improve. He believes in training and sharing all that he has learned during his time at Real Property Tax. Keita has been instrumental in moving the Real Property Tax Division forward with the first ever IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers) designations the County of Hawaii has ever had. Keita is an amazing leader who is committed to excellence.  

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee 

KAYLA COMILLA
Supervising Motor Vehicle Registration Clerk

Kayla works diligently in developing employees to supervisory roles.  Kayla has very strong training skills that have been utilized across the division.  Her fair and understanding leadership style has led to high employee morale.  Kayla listens to employees, provides continuous feedback to help others improve, and is always open to new ideas.  Kayla provides exceptional customer service and demonstrates a commitment to serving the community with professionalism and Aloha.   

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee NICOLE CHARON
Procurement and Specifications 
Specialist
Nicole serves her role with passion and dedication.  She is consistently working with departments to efficiently get the products and services needed, she works tirelessly with vendors to help them understand how to do business with the County, and she often works additional hours to ensure that purchase orders are processed and that messages are responded to timely. No matter what is thrown Nicole’s way, she is willing to help to make it happen, and she does so with professionalism, patience, and grace.    

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Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

GRANT NAGATA
Business Administrator

Grant Nagata has committed his 19-year career to the people and County of Hawai‘i. He is an “outside-of-the-box” thinker with a “can-do” attitude and has been instrumental in the implementation of HR improvements, facility, resource, and equipment enhancements, securing additional funding and training opportunities to improve systems responses and encourage personnel development. Grant encourages an office culture that supports our staff with the necessary resources to best serve our community and promote public safety. 

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee 

KAYLA OGAWA
Accountant III

Kayla Ogawa is an engaged and caring supervisor who takes pride in her work, possesses great attention to detail, is resourceful, innovative, organized, and leads by example. She is an asset and essential component to the overall efficiency of our Office and its ability to pursue justice with integrity and commitment. Kayla is responsible for all fiscal responsibilities of our Office, it’s 100+ employees, and assists with funding aspects of all of our programs and grants. 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

YVONNE SHEA
Legal Clerk III

Yvonne Shea has been a Legal Clerk at OPA for over nine years. She has brought a wealth of knowledge from her former employment within the Judiciary. Yvonne maintains a positive attitude while balancing the needs of her assigned attorneys in both the Family and District Courts, providing training to newer clerical, coordinating between the attorney’s and courts’ schedules, and supporting her coworkers. 

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Civil Defense

 

2023 Manager of the Year

BARRY PERIATT - 
Civil Defense Administrative Officer

BLISS KATO - 
Administrative Services Asst. I

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

 SARILEI KOGASAKA-CANTOR - 
Account Clerk

Sari began with Civil Defense as a call taker during the Covid activation of the Emergency Operations Center and was hired to fill the vacant Account Clerk position.  She did a great job responding to the needs of callers and employees and as her role expanded caring for the fiscal responsibilities and also providing secretary functions for the Administrator. 

 

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Department of Water Supply

 

 2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

ALVIN INOUYE
Water Operations Superintendent

Alvin Inouye, Water Operations Superintendent, assists in overseeing the island-wide water system operations and activities.  He’s been an employee of DWS since January 2002, is our “go-to guy” within the Department and has shown a very high level of leadership and dedication to his job.  He has spent innumerable days keeping our County water systems functioning even during the most extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.   

 

 2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee  

DAVID FAISCA
Building Maintenance Supervisor II

David Faisca has been an employee of DWS since 1982 and a supervisor for DWS for 29 years.  David is responsible for the Building and Reservoir Unit in Hilo, and provides technical supervision to Operations Personnel within the Building and Reservoir Sections in Kohala and Kona. David has an exceptional ability to work with people, particularly the building maintenance staff, and has a very positive effect on not only our employees, but also on the work that is produced.   

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee 

LLOYDETTE HELENIHI
Cashier II

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Department of Public Works

 

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee 

DUSTUN GOMES
General Services Superintendent

 

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

MARK CARVALHO
Custodian/Groundskeeper I

Mr. Carvalho enthusiastically steps up to help with so many of our County events. He goes above and beyond to ensure our facilities are well maintained and beautiful, especially during the holidays. Mark always greets people with the kindest smile and his great attitude represents the true spirit of aloha.

Office of Housing and Community Development

 

CLAYMAT KAWAIAEA

Housing Quality Standards 
Technician III

 “Clem” is currently a Housing Quality Standards Technician III, which he is more commonly referred to as a housing inspector. He approaches almost 25 years as an employee with the County of Hawai’i, the last 19 years as a housing inspector for the County’s housing voucher programs. Clem has conducted over 28,000 rental unit inspections. His long tenure as a housing inspector makes him a favorite of landlords and program participants who often request him by name. Clem also transcends his basic job duties as a public servant by dedicating his time and effort to speak, teach and normalize Hawaiian language; and being an enthusiastic member of the Keaukaha Paddling Club.   

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Research and Development

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

YOSHIAKI OTAKE
Economic Development Specialist II

Yoshi Otake is the Community Wellness Specialist for R&D and has been serving as the Program Officer for the Advancing Health Literacy Grant from the Office of Minority Health, USDHHS.  Yoshi’s stewardship of this program has set the path for future County efforts to ensure vulnerable island populations have access to and receive quality healthcare.  Inside R&D, Yoshi has brought a sense of teamwork, calm and compassion.  We are grateful to have him.

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Department of Environmental 
Management

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee 

MALIKO TANAKA
Accountant I

Maliko Tanaka has been with DEM for 12 years.  She and her staff handle accounting for the Wastewater Division, ensuring bills are paid, customers are billed, and payments are received, while providing exceptional customer service.  Maliko’s leadership, coordination, hard work and dedication have allowed them to manage work loads even when short handed.  Maliko strives to improve efficiency. Leading by example, she helps her staff and others and does what it takes to get the job done.  

 

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

SANDY SHORE

 Contracts Clerk

Sandy Shore has given 14 years of loyal service. Her continued dedication to DEM has enabled us to secure numerous contracts and procure equipment. Sandy is often seen in the office after hours making sure she meets important deadlines. She spearheads office events, lunches, and friendly competitions. Sandy’s wealth of knowledge, work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to take time to mentor staff along the way are valuable to our success. 

 

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Office of the Corporation Counsel

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

KEYRA WONG
Deputy Corporation Counsel

Keyra is a Deputy Corporation Counsel and her commitment to service and helping is extraordinary. Colleagues and department directors have praised her patience and willingness to help, being described as “going above and beyond”, and “always willing to help”. Last year, she updated the standard terms and conditions of contracts used county-wide, which had not been done since 1994.

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Department of Human Resources

 

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

GLYNIS YAMADA
Secretary-Reporter

A dedicated civil servant, Ms. Yamada has been with the County for 30+ years. She has served as the Secretary-Reporter for the Department of Human Resources for the last 10 years. Since 2013, Ms. Yamada has served under four different directors and provided invaluable continuity throughout that time. She is credited with the continued organization and seamless functioning of both the County’s Merit Appeals Board and Salary Commission.  

 County of Hawaiʻi Council

 

CHASITY QUIHANO
Special Assistant to the Council Chair

Chasity Quihano is a dedicated and compassionate public servant who has served as staff for District 4 and for the Council Chair. She exemplifies unwavering commitment to her community, going above and beyond her duties in times of crisis and actively participating in community-building initiatives. Chasity's exceptional professionalism, compassion, and dedication make her a valued member of the Council team. 

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Office of the County Clerk

 2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

TIFFANY KAHO‘ONEI
Council Services Asst. II

Tiffany Kahoʻonei has worked for the County for 9 years within the County Clerk’s Office. Tiffany goes beyond what is expected of her and treats everyone with the same love and compassion she does her family. We get a lot of people who come to our office when theyʻre lost and no one ever leaves not knowing exactly where they need to go. Tiffany has volunteered to assist with every extracurricular office function and fundraiser and is an exceptional worker.  She is a joy, and we are so proud to have her in our office.   

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