Hawaii County, HI
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NOMINATED BY FELLOW EMPLOYEES
Natasha Soriano
Planner V
Planning Department
"Natasha's commitment to her work is clear in her careful planning and attention to detail. She tackles each task with a positive attitude, making sure every project is done efficiently and effectively. Her knack for anticipating challenges and coming up with creative solutions has been a huge asset to our county team. Natasha is great at creating a collaborative vibe. She actively connects with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members, encouraging open communication and teamwork. Her friendly nature and willingness to help others have earned her a lot of respect and admiration from her peers. She always goes the extra mile to support the department's goals and objectives. Her proactive approach and eagerness to take on additional tasks show her commitment to excellence."
Michael Lam
Fire/EMS Specialist III
Fire Department
"I am thrilled to nominate Mike Lam for his exceptional community service, skills as an EMS Specialist, and dedication to teamwork. Mike excels under pressure, makes quick life-saving decisions, and provides top-notch medical care, earning respect from colleagues and the community. His technical proficiency is evident in every task, from emergency response to training. His involvement in outreach programs and volunteering has significantly impacted many residents, showing his genuine care and compassion."
Tiana Jarneski
Account Clerk
Parks & Recreation Maintenance
"Tiana has been with Park Maintenance for just under 5 years. Tiana's skills and knowledge have made a noticeable improvement in the Park Maintenance Division. She keeps complete and accurate records and has created many spreadsheets that help keep track of our vehicle fleet and inventory. Tiana has had to cover both our Clerk III and Storekeeper positions when they have been vacant. She keeps our Park office running by staying on top of our safety and training record keeping, inventory records, work orders and all other internal inspection reports. She consistently goes above and beyond." - JD
Victor McDaniel
West Hawaiʻi Recreation District Supervisor
Parks & Recreation
"Victor McDaniel was my district supervisor for 11 years. His passion and dedication to the County of Hawaiʻi's recreational division is inspirational to say the least. Victor goes above and beyond for his community and employees. Victor's guidance and mentorship have been the cornerstone of my professional growth. his wisdom and insights have shaped my career in ways I can never repay. Thank you for being an inspiring mentor and leader." - DS
Scott Uehara
Radio System Manager
Civil Defense
"His Significant contribution to recovery from the worldwide CrowdStrike catastrophe. The worldwide Crowdstrike catastrophe affected emergency call centers, airports, and other critical infrastructure worldwide. HPD's 911 call center was also affected as computers at all dispatch stations immediately failed. Members of the Police Dispatch, Police IT, County DIT, and CD immediately worked together to bring operations back up swiftly. Police Dispatchers immediately began working on pen and paper while their rank officer called in replacement laptops from officers and notified IT. Police IT informed national authorities who were also experiencing the problem themselves, and began replacing the affected computers with a limited number of fully functional replacements while their rank officer with the help of his daughter identified the possible cause as being Crowdstrike. Members of county DIT and CD came on the scene to bring about a swift full recovery. The ultimate solution was brought to the team by Scott Uehara, who found that a solution had been posted on Crowdstrike's social media page. Members of Police IT with the help of County DIT tested the solution and applied it to all dispatch computers to bring up our dispatch center to full operation the same evening. Without the solution brought to the team by Scott, dispatch would have continued to be partially equipped with makeshift solutions for hours. As it stands, everything was returned to normal during the same work shift as the problem was first detected. We may in fact be the first public service institution affected to recover on Thursday, with outages around the world remaining through much of Friday July 19." - TS
Zoë Callahan
Rural Placemaking Coordinator
Planning Department - Disaster Recovery Division
"I am nominating Zoë for her work in leading the Revitalize Puna initiative. Zoë has used her community building skillset to bring together the Puna community after the 2018 Kilauea disaster. She has organized and led 11 quarterly activation events at the Billy Kenoi Park in Pahoa, bringing together government and community resources, feeding up to 500 people at a time, and providing interesting and lively communication on programs that actively improve the life and balance of the people of Puna. She is organized and is able to pull together all the volunteers seamlessly. She has revealed herself as a true and selfless leader, a listener and convener. Her work is well deserving of recognition." - JD
Thomas Koyanagi
Sergeant
Hawaiʻi Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement
"Sgt. Koyanagi organized the first "Green Lab" cannabis/marijuana impairment training in the state. 25 Officers attended the advanced hands on training. paved the way for new training for law enforcement in the state. The lab was intended to provide knowledge and experience for officers to better understand the effects cannabis impairment would have on drivers." - TK
Jaelyn Estabilio
Pool Lifeguard
Parks & Recreation- Aquatic Section
"Jaelyn is a true team-player and has been integral in keeping our pools covered when staff is short and in providing much-needed swim lessons in our rural districts. She takes water safety seriously and leads by example, to keep our community safe. Her assigned facility is currently closed due to renovations and she has been willing to cover our facilities island-wide, so our operations are successful. She is professional and hard-working on a consistent basis and is absolutely vital to our overall success. Jaelyn goes above and beyond, daily, and works hard to bring swim lessons to the facilities that may not be able to provide them without her services." - A FM
Nadine Pola
Clerk III
Environmental Management-Solid Waste
"I would like to share my heartfelt appreciation of the exceptional contributions that Nadine has brought to the County, Environmental Management, and the Solid Waste Division. She is a hard worker, and truly dedicated to her craft. She is functional and well organized, a huge value for such a big, busy division. With great proficiency, she has mastered the cumbersome task of permitting the long hauling trucks with State DOT, to easily managing the 12-week scheduling. Nadine is a team player, professional, dedicated and most of all she has a positive attitude which she shares with everyone!" - SS
Dereck Pacheco
Dept. of Water Supply
"Dereck and a co worker found a package laying in the middle of road that contained valuables. One of the items had information from the Mayor so they brought the package to the Mayor's Office and we were able to find the person it belonged to. Boy, was he happy to get everything back. Derek and his buddy did the right thing and should be honored!" - TH
Joshua Ravey
Dept. of Water Supply
"Joshua and a co worker found a package laying in the middle of road that contained valuables. One of the items had information from the Mayor so they brought the package to the Mayor's Office and we were able to find the person it belonged to. Boy, was he happy to get everything back. Derek and his buddy did the right thing and should be honored!" - TH
Breyden McDaniel
Lifeguard
Parks & Recreation – Aquatics
"Breyden is always willing to help. He goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone is safe and taken cared of when they come to the aquatic center. treats everyone with respect and aloha. Mahalo Breyden for everything you do."- DS
Chad Nakasone
Parks Caretaker
Parks & Recreation Maintenance Division
"Chad always has a smile on his face treats everyone with respect and Aloha. Our Parks, pavilions and restrooms are always clean and ready for the publics use. Chad deals with a lot of homeless and unsanitary conditions in our parks. He has been through all homeless camp clean ups and also dealing with the mentally ill harassing him while he is performing his duties. I would like to nominate Chad because Even through all these conditions and B.S Chad always keeps it positive and keeps a level head. Mahalo Chad For being a prime example of a county employee." - DS
Bonnie Armitage
Account Clerk
Parks & Recreation – Aquatics
"Bonnie is vital in ensuring our AQ Team receive the supplies we need to serve our community, she ensures all of our invoices are paid on time, and processes our payroll... and somehow still keeps a smile on her face. She is amazing! Operations are never simple and things hardly go as planned for our AQ Section; Bonnie continues to have an infectious, positive, and professional attitude, which makes the entire team just adore her. She is our 'man behind the curtain' and we would fail without her." - A FM
Katherine Medeiros
Community Svc Wkr III
Parks and Recreation -
Nutrition / Elderly Activities
"Since she began with nutrition Katherine has proven herself to be honest, trustworthy, kind and generous, she is both efficient and effective and it’s helpful she is a delight to work with." - MF
Jean Andrade
Recreation Aide
Parks and Recreation -
Elderly Recreation Services
"She is an amazing employee that consistently goes above and beyond. Jean has always been kind, considerate and supportive making everyone feel cared for and welcome. At ERS events, whenever Jean is there, it makes the whole day easier like a breath of fresh air" - MF
Autumn Keanu
VRL Clerk
Finance-Vehicle Registration & Licensing
"Autumn has consistently demonstrated exceptional customer service and team spirit. Her outstanding customer experiences often gets her positive feedback from customers who are grateful for her friendliness, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond.
She is an amazing team player who is always ready to lend a helping hand where it’s needed and mentor new employees. Autumn is an asset to the team, and we are lucky to have her." - KC
Kawika Awana
Lifeguard
Parks & Recreation – Aquatics
"Kawika is a prime example of a public servant. Kawika serves the community with Aloha. Kawika is always going above and beyond to make sure the patrons at the Kona community aquatic center are safe. By enforcing rules and regulations, thank you Kawika." - DS
Alejandra Flores-Morikami
Aquatic Recreation specialist
Parks & Recreation – Aquatics
"Alejandra has gone above and beyond to make sure all the staff under aquatics are properly trained and feel supported. She shows the true meaning of leadership by leading by example. Alejandra takes on multiple roles to make sure the job gets done and that nobody gets left behind, ''in everything". Alejandra has made aquatics a better!! like a well-oiled machine that makes everyone feel like an important piece of the puzzle. Mahalo Alex for being a super awesome Leader." - DS
Jermaine Estabilio
Swimming Pool Custodian
Parks & Recreation – Aquatics
"Jermaine consistently goes above and beyond his position description, with the goal of serving the community. Jermaine is a veteran employee and is a model for staff. He is willing to try new things and actively works to bring the team together. Recently, the diving board was closed due to a broken step- Jermaine took it upon himself to create a safe temporary step so that the diving board would be able to be used this Summer. Jermaine truly believes in public service and continues to be an asset to the Aquatics Section!" - A FM
Kimberlee Sato
Office of Aging - ADRC
Aging and Disability Services Specialist
"I am nominating Kim for all of her hard work at Office of Aging, and dedication in assisting older adults with support and services. Anytime when asked for assistance with an individual who is looking to receive services from Office of Aging, Kim is always willing to assist with a smile and enthusiasm. We are all very happy and thankful to be able to work with such a wonderful person." - LE
"Kimberlee is dedicated to her role of assisting Kupuna, adults with disabilities and caregivers to help them learn about resources and programs that can assist them. Kimberlee went above and beyond her role as a county employee on Saturday 6/8/2024. Kimberlee was off work and home with her son when she saw a police post about a missing Kupuna in her area. The missing Kupuna is known to our office and as soon as Kimberlee saw the post, without hesitation, she jumped in her car and starting searching for the missing woman. Her instinct to go help search is a testament to her commitment to helping our Kupuna's age safely in their homes and communities. Mahalo Kim!
Note: Thankfully the women was found safe by the police a short time after she went missing and is now safely back at home with family." - MC
Kinney Gandall
Pool Lifeguard - Kawamoto Pool
Parks and Recreation - Aquatics
"Kinney goes above and beyond in servicing the community. He was one of the first to respond in retrieving the body of a suicide victim that was found in Kawamoto Pool, and excelled in his performance as temporary assigned senior guard at our facility. He also stepped up and successfully coached our novice swim team. Kinney did a great job to create a positive work environment, and is a self motivated and a responsible person."- WC
Channing Tokeshi
Solid Waste supervisor
Environmental Management-Solid Waste
"Channing is a very good supervisor. He is fair, consistent, understanding, and always works with every one of us to make our jobs flow smoothly. Working with solid waste and the demanding public can be overwhelming at times and Channing has a very positive attitude that is contagious so we can all get our job done together." - LD MS
"Boss is hardworking and dedicated to his employees. He makes sure equipment is maintained according to Dept. needs. Boss treats employees fairly and resolves situations with the little man power we have." - CP
Pahukula Kalili
Water Safety Officer II
Fire Department - Ocean Safety
"Hard worker, saves lives. Dedicated, a job well done" - SM
Seannacy Mcneill
Water Safety Officer I
Fire Department - Ocean Safety
"Great Co-worker to be on the line with. Does his job with ease all year round at Kua Bay"- KG
Kealii Garmon
Water Safety Officer I
Fire Department - Ocean Safety
"Hard worker with good customer service. Saves lives, job well done" - SM
Derek Simmons
Senior Pool Lifeguard
Parks & Recreation, Aquatics
"Derek treats his facility like his home and his community like family. He consistently goes above and beyond to keep the team, the facility, and his community safe. Derek is an asset to our island-wide team and Kona is lucky to have a team leader like him! Despite having more than a few vacancies, he (along with his team) has expanded hours and created more programming to best serve his community. Derek rises above the complaints and continues to serve with Aloha, on a consistent basis." - AFM
"Always accommodates and comes to work even on his days off. Comes into work to make sure everything is operating properly. Always accommodating the public and swim team." - KA
Sherise Kanaʻe-Kāne
Information & Education Specialist II
Department of Public Works - Administration
"Sherise is an exemplary Information & Education Specialist who consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She tirelessly publicizes the accomplishments, projects, and ongoing/upcoming activities of Public Works. She also helps citizens with issues they have using the "EPIC" permitting system. Her dedication extends to attending community meetings to hear concerns and answer questions, as well as coordinating the department's involvement in various community projects and events. Sherise's commitment and hard work are truly commendable; she makes a positive and substantial impact on our community." - EDC
"For her outstanding volunteer assistance at the Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race. overall volunteer work to help with the coordination and safety of all participants." - S LL
Jonnette Soares-Padilla
Clerical Services Assistant
Office of Management - Mayor
Alexander "Alex" Gomez
Information Systs Support Tech II
Information Technology
Anthony Liu
Information Systs Analyst III
Information Technology
"I'm delighted to nominate Anthony Liu for his amazing IT service skills, unwavering dedication, and remarkable teamwork demonstrated across all departments. He's always there, dealing with tech issues and making sure our operations run smoother than butter. His knack for service doesn't just show how dedicated and savvy he is, but also boosts efficiency. We're seriously grateful for everything he does and super proud to have him on the County of Hawaii team."
Luana Ancheta-Kauwe
I&A Clerk
Office of Aging - Access
"I am nominating Luana to acknowledge her hard work, dedication, and contributions to our team/office. Luana consistently goes above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service, ensuring that our constituents receive the highest level of care and satisfaction. Her positive attitude and spirit of Aloha is an inspiration to all. Having personally witnessed her interactions with community members visiting our office, Luana consistently goes out of her way to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and receives the help they need. Additionally, Luana exemplifies the qualities of compassion, empathy, and teamwork that fosters a positive and supportive work environment." - JY
Kelsey Kalua-Lewis
Business Manager
Public Works - Administration
"Kelsey has stepped up from Accountant IV to fill the previously vacant Business Manager position. She is always willing to help others, and keeps a bright, cheery attitude at all times. She creates a positive environment in the office, you can always approach her for anything you need. She also handles difficult situations that arise with excellent composure and professionalism." - E DC
Sheldon Uyetake
Fire Medical Specialist II
Fire; Battalion 1; Pahoa B
"Sheldon's commitment to his job, his fellow co-Workers and the community he serves is without question. He is always early to work and rarely misses work due to sick leave. Despite having a newborn daughter, he continues to make sure that the Pahoa fire station and the community that is serves has a paramedic on duty. He often works extra shifts even though he wants to go home to spend time with his daughter. He also has decided to continue staying at the Pahoa fire station for the next few months, even though there is an opening for him at a closer and slower station near his home in Waimea. He has decided to stay to provide his paramedic intern with more consistent learning environment. He cares so much about EMS that he wants the new interns to have the best training and experience that he can provide for them." - JB
Sherri Nakagawa
Economic Development Specialist III
Research and Development
"There are countless examples where Sherri has shown herself to be a role model for others. Sherri has such a positive attitude and eagerly jumps in to assist both internal and external customers. Sherri is knowledgeable, skilled, reliable, a great problem solver, and consistently so. I’ve worked with many people over my 40+ year work life. Sherri is one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Please recognize her. " - LO
Kelli Figueira
I&A Clerk
Office of Aging - Access
"I am nominating Kelli for her exceptional dedication and selflessness in her contributions to serving our Kupuna and for her invaluable contributions to our team. Kelli has consistently gone above and beyond by taking the initiative to learn the tasks of a fellow coworker during their absence, ensuring continuity and uninterrupted service delivery for our cherished Kupuna. Kelli's unwavering support, genuine care, and commitment to learning exemplify the true spirit of teamwork and service excellence. Kelli consistently exceeds expectations and serves as an inspiration to us all. I am grateful to have Kelli on my team! " JY
Meredith Catalini
Aging and Disability Specialist Manager
HCOA/Aging and Disability Resource Center
"Meredith is a wonderful boss! Meredith has made me feel welcomed from the first day i stepped into the ADRC and has continued to do so till today. She is understanding, compassionate, a pleasure to work with, has tremendous positive energy and attitude, and makes you feel like family. Meredith sees all of her employees as equal to herself and is always willing to help with answering the phones or assisting those who walk into the ADRC. Meredith is very knowledgeable and skilled in assisting the family members as well as the kupunas that require assistance. I have seen family members go into our counseling room at the ADRC crying and anxious and come out with a smile on their face which is now filled with relief and also occasionally laughing as Meredith has provided them with information that can assist them with their loved one who are not able to complete their daily activities on their own anymore. " - KS
"She is an exceptional person who demonstrates compassion, professionalism, leadership, and kindness to everyone. Incredible customer service, supportive team leader, respectful and pleasant to work without goes above and beyond to assist the community and support the ADRC and HCOA." - LW
Nemy Carriaga
Legal Clerk III
Prosecuting Attorneys Office - Circuit Clerical
"Nemy has been instrumental in the success of this department/division. Her tireless efforts have held this unit together during severe shortages of staff and resources. She deserves to be recognized. She took on temporary supervising duties when the position was left vacant, she trained most of the current department, including the current supervisor." - GP
Francisco "Cisco" Villa
Wastewater Plant Maintenance Manager
Environmental Management Wastewater Division
"Cisco is hardworking, dedicated and committed to doing his best work. Cisco is adaptable and goes along with the ever changing environment of wastewater operations. He is the first one to answer his calls, and last one to leave for the day. He is open to new ideas, and makes adjustments where needed. He expresses himself clearly and listens attentively to others. He is supportive of his team of mechanics, electricians and trade helpers, he always makes an effort to sit with them and offer guidance and training to help guide each to self-sufficiency in performing their daily duties. Cisco is extremely pro-active in identifying and addressing problems as they arise. He is able to analyze problems and quickly come up with solutions. He is professional, enthusiastic, respectful, ethical and committed." - SS
Erin Hirano Arakawa
Maintenance worker
Parks & Recreation Maintenance Division
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Prosecuting Attorneys Office
Fire Medical Specialist III
Hawaii Fire Department EMS Bureau
Housing Specialist
Office of Housing & Community Development, Section 8
"Very committed to our Big Island community and her work with assisting clients meet their housing needs. Coordinates fundraising opportunities to raise funds for Hilo’s Relay for Life, very active with HGEA work and volunteer projects, outstanding person." - KR
Planning Inspector
Planning Department West Hawaii Division
"Libby is a rock star!! Libby is a master multi-tasker and provides top notch service with a smile." - JR
Carpenter
Parks and Recreation - South Hilo
Kenneth Demaya
Supervisor
Public Works, Highways
"I am nominating Kenneth because I feel he does deserve to be recognized for his hard work and dedication to performing tasks safely and promptly. " - PA
Linda Cava
Zoo Animal Keeper II
Parks and Recreation - Pana'ewa Zoo
"She is a great leader, educator, and advocate for the animals and visitors at the Panaewa Zoo. A true role model, Linda is hard working and always willing to offer a helping hand when needed. Often taking on extra works, she deserves this recognition. " - KF
"Many people within the County of Hawaii already know that Linda is one of the hardest working individuals at the Panaewa Zoo. But most don't know of her dedication to the Zoo and to the Department of Parks and Recreation outside of her regular working hours. On her off hours, Linda is constantly researching animal related issues, putting together and sharing information with fellow staff, all for the betterment of the animals. Linda goes so far for the Zoo that she makes special 'Birthday" signs for the animals and even prepares special dietary treats for the animals. But it doesn't stop there. Linda will always put together notes for new employees to help them learn their new job and to ease many of the "new hire" fears we all once had. She does this because she truly cares. Linda is a genuine individual and absolute asset to the Zoo and to the County of Hawaii!" - JC
Kainoa Kala
Building Maintenance Worker
Parks and Recreation, Pana'ewa Recreational Complex
"Kainoa consistently produces amazing work from daily maintenance, to special projects to managing the Inmates and projects that they complete for the Complex. His eye for detail and perfection in his work is reflected in all he does for the Zoo and Equestrian Center. His knowledge around his trades is second to none!" - MR
Alicia Flicop
Zoo Animal Keeper
Parks & Recreation, Pana'ewa Recreational Complex
Park Caretaker
Parks & Recreation, Pana'ewa Recreational Complex
"Paul is the only Park Caretaker for the Zoo and Equestrian Center. He keeps the Complex in tip top shape! He consistently finds additional projects along with his daily work load along with 'rainy day' projects! He works above and beyond during special events when we have increased attendance. The grounds are noticeably improved since Paul has joined the team. Guest compliment the Zoo's look daily!" - MR
Iris Higa
Program Director IV
Parks and Recreation –
Kamana Elderly Recreation Services
"At Kamana ERS and other sites for the Senior classes Iris has coordinated throughout the year (4 quarters) and she does it with energy and compassion for everyone." - CE
Keon Orlando
Pool lifeguard
Parks and Recreation- Aquatics
"Keon is a good worker with integrity and ethic. Willing to come in and serve community when needed."
Lance Yoshiyama
Nurseryman I
Parks and Recreation
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
"I am nominating Lance because of all the work, effort and passion he puts in to his job. He is responsible for caring, propagating, and maintaining the County's collection of plants. Lance is responsible for the Rhaphis and Areca palms you see at every County of Hawaii event on the Big Island. Lance is also responsible for providing the palms you see at our Merrie Monarch Festival. Through his diligent and knowledgeable care, he maintains and delivers greenery for our community and always provides it with a smile and an infectious laugh. Lance is instrumental in maintaining our Zoo grounds and can often be found cutting grass and pressure washing to ensure a safe environment for our staff and our community. He is very self-motivated and plans his work days ahead of schedule and often takes on issues before they become problems." - KA
Tanya Okamoto
Zoo Animal Keeper II
Parks and Recreation
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
"I am nominating Tanya because of her initiative and dedication in caring for and maintaining our animals and facility. Over the years, I have watched Tanya step out of her comfort zone and take on projects and learn skills solely for the fact that it will help elevate our facility and animal care. On top of all this, done this of her own accord. Tanya's professionality at the facility truly help our team and she is always ready to lend a helping hand at a moments notice. Tanya frequently volunteers for any difficult assignments. Not only for the self-edification, but for the benefit of our facility. Her dedication to her work is shown in everything that she does and she has taken it upon herself to learn different skills such as forklift training, manlift operation and learning how to use powertools/equipment to help further the Zoo's growth. I would also have to cite her initiative in tackling issues head on such as repairing Alala enclosure and building ramps for our aging binturong, as well as her lead by example attitude. " - KA
Kimberly Freeman
Zoo Animal Keeper II
Parks and Recreation
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
"I am nominating Kimberly Freeman for the sheer positivity she brings to our staff. Kimberly is the newest member of our team, but her professional attitude, contagious enthusiasm and eagerness to resolve difficult situations have helped our staff morale immensely. Kimberly is always willing to help out and will do so without any hesitation, no matter who it is. She has even taken initiative to plan staff activities such as a scavenger hunt in order to help build bonds and relationships among her peers. She is always willing to work with others to reach an understanding and is always willing to lead by example. " - KA
Elena Bauske-Khalar
Zoo Animal Keeper II
Parks and Recreation
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
"I am nominating Elena Bauske-Khalar for her help in researching and putting together a modern diet regime for our animal collections. Elena researches and networks with other zoos around the world in order to help modernize our husbandry routines. This in turn will lead to healthier, longer-lived animals that are receiving the absolute best care we can provide here at a professional facility. Elena has also shown initiative in the enrichment side of our animal care and has helped to create items such as our emu feeder which stand to make our job easier." - KA
Grant Nagata
Business Administrator
Prosecuting Attorneys Office - Administration
"Incredible diligence, effectiveness, ethics, dedication. Grant has been instrumental in the effective procurement, assessment and implementation of the offices island-wide case management system which will effectively track and manage cases, make casework and staff lives easier, but also save costs and time for the office and County." - AS
Robert Vares
Zoo Animal Keeper II
Parks and Recreation
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
"Bobby has extremely valued facility knowledge with his 28 years of experience. He is always motivated to do projects and maintenance around the Zoo to improve the animals' lives. He is always thrilled to speak with guests especially school groups about the animals! His passion is evident in every story he shares." - MR
Chang Aiona V
Equipment Operator III
Environmental Management / Solid Waste
Winona Makuakane
Recreation Director II
Parks and Recreation – Kaʻu
Nona has done may other programs every year for the Ka'u community, Christmas, Halloween, Valentines, Ka'u fishing contest, Fun Runs and many, many more.
Her "Second Chance Prom Night" for adults was actually out of this world this was for community people who missed their Prom a great success. Nona got a Ka'u Chef to provide the menu's, prime rib, roasted chicken, mash potatoes, steam vegetables and desserts all homemade, this was a smash hit and the talk of the town.
During the Pandemic Nona delivery food ( grocery) to Ka'u people who were home bound because they had covid and she also helped with the island wide Food Distribution (Food Bank) in her District. I could go on and on it has happened for over 35 years!" - GK
Douglas Le
Disaster Recovery Officer
Planning Department
Joshua Mayeda
Power Mower Operator
Parks & Recreation
Maintenance Division
"Very dedicated and hard working and doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves. " - HL
Jason Mendoza
Power Mower Operator
Parks & Recreation
Maintenance Division - Puna
"19 years of Dedication, Pride, Respect, and Love for his Community of PUNA. He does an amazing job with the beautification of park fields and facilities. He takes on everyday challenges with a "can-do" attitude." - LA
Lori Enomoto
I&A Clerk
Office of Aging
"I am nominating Lori because she gives 110% of herself at work. She is always willing to help out the seniors coming into the office, help out her coworkers, and provide assistance at any time. Lori is always smiling and has a positive attitude. Lori has a great personality and goes above and beyond her required tasks to make sure the task at hand gets done, no matter how difficult it may be. Lori makes the people coming into the ADRC feel welcomed and listened too as they explain the reason for their visit. This is an everyday, multiple times a day occurrence. " - KS
George Manuel
Staff Officer
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency
"Dedication to the mission and selfless work provided to the community of Lahaina. George took an assignment to respond to Maui County to assist with recovery efforts from the Lahaina Fires. He was assigned by Maui Emergency Management to be part of the team managing the program for Lahaina Fire survivors to gain initial entry into their properties after the fires. Due to his natural abilities and outstanding work George was asked to continue with this assignment which continued for 5 months. George and his team were tasked to take care of the victims and survivors who lost family and friends and homes to the fire when they visited these location for the first time since the fires on August 8. They were there to take care of their needs and for providing emotional support. George maintained his positive supportive personality day after day in the hot Lahaina sun and under heavy emotional stress to care for this community. Maui County was extremely appreciative of Georges work and commented to me often regarding his efforts and all Hawaii County employees that responded to Maui." - TM
Sewer Maintenance Supervisor II
Environmental Management, Wastewater
"I would like to nominate Toni Nakatani for all of her hard work, support, and commitment to the County of Hawaiʻi for 30+ years. Toni has an exceptional level of professionalism with both fellow employees and the public. She does an excellent job to make sure her Sewer Maintenance employees are safe while working out in the field, and especially while working in the middle of traffic.
Toni very often accommodates her employees' needs and is currently working to obtain the necessary equipment the section needs to do the job most efficiently and effectively. Her hard work often goes unnoticed, and I would like to commend her and give her the recognition she deserves. Toni responds to any and all inquiries, complaints, and emergencies whenever possible. She goes above and beyond to help the Wastewater Division in whatever assistance they may need. Whether it is scheduling work for her Sewer Maintenance Crew in Hilo, scheduling work for the Sewer Maintenance Crew in Kona, managing construction projects island-wide, verifying sewer connections, or attending meetings with DEM's upper management to discuss her section's needs, Toni is always there to take the lead or assist wherever possible." - KK
Ke’ale Andrews
DPW-General Services
Custodian/Groundskeeper II
Bobbie Jo Botelho
Program Support Tech
Environmental Management –
Wastewater; Pretreatment
"Bobbie Jo is always there for you no matter what. She has helped this program tremendously by utilizing her many skills. She goes above and beyond her job description, and can figure out anything asked of her. I can honestly say she’s an asset and a blessing to this program. It’s such a pleasure to work with her and I learn a lot from her. It’s important to take recognition, and I appreciate the County providing this platform to brag about the people who make everyday job duties so rewarding. She’s a rockstar and excels in her position at the County." - LM
Ray Miyaji
Senior Account Clerk
Hawai'i Fire Department
Administration
"Ray without a doubt makes our work culture in Fire Admin. enjoyable. He puts himself first before others in all things he does. He is one of the first people to offer help when you walk into Fire Admin., and the last to leave to make sure everything is in order Fiscal-wise. (That man is always locked in and working!!) Every birthday, holiday, and event I guarantee he will bring the snacks, cake, and even extra lunches for those who may not have something to eat that day. Ray has the well-earned nickname of "Banana Man" as he will always offer a Banana to any employee who walks into our door. Where is he getting them from? Who knows, but they're tasty and how I start off every morning." - JM
Talmadge Magno
Administrator
Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency
"I am nominating Talmadge for his hard work, passion, and dedication in protecting and preparing the community in Hawai’i County from and during a natural or man-made disaster. Talmadge is knowledgeable and has a deep understanding of all aspects in teaching and preparing the community for any situation. Thank you Talmadge, for being such an inspirational leader and for keeping us all safe." - LE
Emily Hirayama
Legal Technician II
Corporation Counsel
"Our office has consistently been short staffed. Recently, we are short four employees. Emily has took on the responsibilities of another staff member with no complaints and a let's get it done teamwork attitude. All the while she is also balancing supervisor duties. She displays hard work with a great attitude. " - EC
Kaycie Saiki
Administrative Services Assistant
Mayors Office, Office of Management
"Her determination and ability to multi-task in the position she's in is not only outstanding, but shows how much she cares about the Mayors office as a whole. Kaycie has been with the Mayors office for over 20 years, she not only adapts to each administration turn over, but takes initiative to make sure the office continues to run as smoothly as possible while assisting staff." - AK
Tifany Sugi
Vehicle Registration & Licensing Clerk
Finance - motor vehicle & licensing
Brittany Wulfert
E. HI Abandoned Vehicle Coordinator
Environmental Management - Solid Waste
"The Abandoned Vehicle Program has been short staffed for a few years now, which has left Britt doing abandoned vehicle checks and vehicle releases for the whole island. She works tirelessly to make sure our roads are clear and doesn't complain about covering the extra grounds. Britt is proactive in her work, if she sees an unmarked vehicle on the side of the road, she is stopping to get all information she needs to have the vehicle reported and removed. Her hard work and dedication to the program has not gone unnoticed." - JHE
Justyne Rafael
Clerk III
Environmental Management - Solid Waste
Shawn Costa
Lead Plumber
Parks and Recreation
"Shawn is always there when there is a plumbing problem. Always does research and always thinks about future maintenance and repairs, instead of just doing a patch jobs and leave. Also he does all the updates and repairs in timely matter to keep the water on, and sewer lines cleared for the public to use the facilities.
Thank you Shawn. " - AK
Barett Otani
Executive Assistant
Office of Management - Mayor's Office
"Barett has gone above and beyond to assist the Aging and Disability Resource Center/Hawaii County Office of Aging in creating video trainings for our Kupuna's and adults with disabilities. Barett has shared his creative gifts with us to help us develop educational video's on Fall Prevention and Emergency Disaster Preparedness. Barett took our ideas and ran with the project. His efforts of support include creating video content, taping video sections, editing content and presenting us with quality educational materials for our department to use for trainings throughout the island. Mahalo Barett - we are forever grateful." - MC
Click or scan the QR code below to nominate and recognize the good work and outstanding customer service provided by a County of Hawaiʻi employee.
In an effort to recognize the good work and good customer service provided by county employees, we are seeking nominations from county employees and the public to tell us who should be nominated (county employees only) and what they did to deserve to be recognized. All employees are eligible to be nominated, whether they provide service to the public directly or internally to county employees. Thank you for your nomination!