TOP STATE EMPLOYEES HONORED AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

October 12 - Outstanding employees from every state department were recognized at the annual Governor's Awards ceremony. These awards are designed to honor state executive branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai`i.

Ricky Sasaki, architect VI, from the Department of Accounting and General Services' Public Works Division, was recognized as the Employee of the Year for his outstanding commitment and dedication to his duties as a Project Coordinator. Sasaki led a team responsible for the Department of Education's first facility to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Award. He also managed four projects that involved the design of 40 siren sites statewide, which are now under construction.

Walter Kawamura, workers' compensation hearings officer for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations was selected as the Manager of the Year for making significant improvements to the Workers' Compensation Hearings Branch. Under his leadership, workers are now receiving their benefit payments sooner, overall costs have been reduced, and employers are paying 12 percent less in workers' compensation insurance premiums.

Eleven individuals from the Department of Accounting and General Services' Waianae Civic Center Emergency Homeless Shelter Team were honored as the Team of the Year. Their efforts made it possible for 300 homeless citizens who were living on the beaches and other areas on the leeward coast to move into the Pai`olu Kaiaulu emergency shelter in just seven months.

• Read a news release.
• Learn more about other outstanding state employees.