Department of Agriculture Honors "Cream of the Crop"

In recognition of their hard work throughout the year, Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chair of the Board of Agriculture, honored the Department of Agriculture's outstanding employees and presented the Manager of the Year, and Employee of the Year awards.

Manager of the Year Carol Okada and Board of Agriculture Chair Sandra Lee Kunimoto and deputy director Duane Okamoto.

The department honored Carol Okada, Plant Quarantine Branch, Plant Industry Division, as the Manager of the Year. Okada oversees the statewide plant quarantine regulatory program, which includes 115 inspectors, pest control aids and clerical staff. She was recognized for her work to increase cooperation between state and federal inspection agencies, increasing the state's biosecurity program and for helping to gain legislative support for the planning phase of a joint federal and state inspection facility at Honolulu International Airport.

Employee of the Year, Dexter Cho.

Dexter Cho, pest control technician, Plant Industry Division, was recognized as the Employee of the Year for his support of staff entomologists working on natural biocontrol measures to control and manage invasive pests. Cho's work was instrumental in the identification of the biological control insect that has been successful in controlling the glassy-winged sharpshooter. He was also cited for his motivation to learn new technologies, such as global positioning satellite technology, and applying it to provide better data collection for the division.

In addition to the Manager of the Year and Employee of the Year awards, Sustained Superior Performance Awards were presented to:

Laura Ayers, livestock inspector, Animal Industry Division, was recognized for her sensitivity and professionalism in dealing with the animals and animal owners. She continually exhibits genuine care and concern for the animals in her charge and has also mastered the livestock database technology.

Barbara Schafer, clerk typist, Agricultural Development Division, was recognized for the efficient and professional manner in which she provides support for the division. She was cited for her work in helping to establish and manage the Livestock Feed Subsidy Program, which provides financial assistance to livestock operations.

Dean Yoshizu, environmental health specialist, Plant Industry Division, is responsible for managing grants from the federal government, which allows the pesticides program to enforce federal requirements to assure the safe use of pesticides in Hawai`i and worker protection standards.

Outstanding employees from every state department will compete in the annual Governor's Awards on October 17. 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.