TEAM OF THE YEAR, Quarantine First Responders, University of Hawaii
Due to their complete dedication and ingenuity, this team has been successful in developing, and having exporters adopt, effective and innovative post-harvest treatments for flowers and foliage. This enables Hawaii’s ornamental industry to sustain their production and showcase their ornamental products in export markets on the mainland, Japan and Guam.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
George Burnett, Civil Defense Telecommunications Officer, Department of Defense
George has made numerous contributions in developing and maintaining the State’s warning and emergency communications systems. Through his efforts, the 361 outdoor siren warning systems have been constantly monitored under solid supervision. Thanks to George, Hawaii’s residents and visitors were properly alerted of the 2010 Chile Tsunami.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Lynne Kazama, Social Worker, Department of Human Services
Lynne has played an instrumental role in aggressively overhauling Hawaii’s child welfare system, which includes safely reducing the number of children in foster care by more than half, and achieving one of the lowest rates of child re-abuse in America.
Lynne is professional, respectful, and devoted as she strives everyday to improve the lives of Hawaii’s at-risk children.
Runners up:
TEAM
Kaupuni Village Team
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
This team was tasked to build the State’s first net-zero energy consumption community at an affordable cost, blending the newest energy technology and traditional Hawaiian practices to support a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. Slated for completion in November, this will be the first development of its kind in the state, nation…and the world!
MANAGER
Joe Cordova
Vocational and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Disabled Administrator
Department of Human Services
Joe has led his division to many great accomplishments. By helping 21 clients with disabilities obtain and maintain employment with substantial wages, the State received $230,000 in new federal funding from the Social Security Administration. Joe encourages his clients as they strive to achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence.
EMPLOYEE
Grant Tanimoto
General Counsel
Department of Accounting & General Services
Chairing a 17-member committee of volunteer attorneys, Grant led a project to re-codify the entire campaign finance section of Hawaii’s laws. This tedious process paid off when the 100-page bill was finally passed by the 2010 Legislature. Due to Grant’s perseverance, we now have a law that will result in increased compliance.
Submitted by the state of Hawaii