By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards, which honor state executive branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawaii. The statewide awards program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.
“Many of our public employees consistently work to improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “We are honored to work with such dedicated individuals and appreciate all they do each and every day.”
Gov. Abercrombie presented the State Manager of the Year award to James Kurata, who exhibits outstanding and consistent success in serving as the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Public Works Division administrator and in managing a statewide program of engineering, architectural and construction project services. He leads efforts to operate, maintain and repair 164 facilities statewide to provide the most comfortable working conditions for all state employees.
Employee of the Year
The Employee of the Year award was given to Monica DeCosta, a Department of Education school administrative services assistant. As the backbone of Kahaluu Elementary School’s operations, Monica is the “go to” person who everyone counts on, respects and admires. Although she wears many hats as a secretary, registrar, family communications center, disciplinarian and more, she still manages to carry out her required responsibilities efficiently and timely.
Team of the Year
DAGS’ HIePRO Team of Bonnie Kahakui, Stacey Kauleinamoku and Mara Smith, was named State Team of the Year. To increase the level of transparency through which the state procures goods and services, the team developed the State of Hawaii eProcurement system for issuing solicitations, receiving responses and issuing notices of award. As of April 2014, 156 procurements had been awarded on HIePRO, totaling more than $8.6 million with an estimated cost savings of more than $1.3 million.
“These individuals have selflessly given of themselves to enrich the lives of those they serve,” Gov. Abercrombie added. “Their accomplishments perpetuate the aloha spirit and make our state a special place to live and work.”
The three winners were selected from 51 exceptional individual and group nominees. A volunteer selection committee of five prominent members of the community carefully reviewed nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories. The committee then presented their recommendations for the three awards to Gov. Abercrombie.
The five members of this year’s selection committee are: Jesse Broder Van Dyke, communications director for the City and County of Honolulu; Olena Heu, owner of Olena Heu Communications; Gary Kai, executive director of Hawaii Business Roundtable; Florence Nakakuni, U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii, U.S. Department of Justice; and Sarah Tenney, business development manager, Kaiser Permanente Individual and Family Plans – Hawaii Reg