GOVERNOR LINGLE HONORS TOP STATE MANAGER, EMPLOYEE AND TEAM OF THE YEAR
For Immediate Release: Friday, October 7, 2005
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today recognized the state’s top employees, including Chauncey Wong Yuen, Hawai`i airports district manager of the State Department of Transportation, who was selected as State Manager of the Year, and Fiscal Officer John Awakuni of the University of Hawai`i as State Employee of the Year. The “Sex Offender Web site Team” from the Department of the Attorney General was chosen as State Team of the Year.
“On behalf of the people of Hawai`i, it is with great pride that I congratulate these outstanding State employees, managers, and team members,” Governor Lingle said. “Their work sets a high standard that everyone strives to attain. Whether it’s protecting our keiki and kupuna, promoting economic development, or working to protect our environment, the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by all of our State employees have helped to build a strong foundation for State government to deliver quality services.”
“Earlier this year we published a ‘1,000 Stars’ booklet to recognize the men and women who work day in and day out to ‘turn the wheels of government’ and who make all of us proud to be called public servants,” said Governor Lingle. “The employees we honor today represent the tens of thousands of outstanding state government employees who make important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of government services.”
The three winners were selected from 49 exceptional group and individual nominees, which included 17 teams made up of 910 State employees. Many teams were comprised of several divisions working collaboratively to find innovative approaches to delivering quality services.
A volunteer selection committee of five individuals from non-State government organizations carefully reviewed the 49 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories before selecting the top three winners.
Manager of the Year – Chauncey Wong Yuen, Department of Transportation
Chauncey Wong Yuen is recognized for his outstanding leadership and immeasurable accomplishments made at the four State airports on the Island of Hawai`i.
In just two short years as the Hawai`i airports district manager, Wong Yuen has created a cohesive and motivated workforce, instituted employee and passenger safety programs, initiated plans to create a regional fire training facility, and established an open communication process with the taxi industry with the goal of providing a superior taxi service for the traveling public.
Under Wong Yuen’s management, the Hilo International Airport underwent renovations that included installing 1940s-style Hawaiian furniture that is proving to be both popular and economical. The cost of the new acacia wood furnishings was about two thirds less than standard airport furnishings. The result of this innovative idea is an inviting lobby that captures the lifestyle and local ambiance of Hawai`i.
“Chauncey’s networking abilities have brought first responders for aircraft/disaster control from governmental agencies and local organizations together, reviving a strong sense of `ohana amongst these groups,” Governor Lingle said.
Employee of the Year – John Awakuni, Fiscal Officer, University of Hawai`i
John Awakuni was named State Employee of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University of Hawai`i as chief financial and fiscal officer for the Library Services Program.
Awakuni is responsible for administering an annual budget of over $13 million for the Library Services Program and has consistently provided highly accurate and timely information to the library administration and to the budget offices at both the campus and system level.
Moreover, in the wake of the disastrous flash flood in Manoa Valley on October 30, 2004, Awakuni successfully managed the overwhelming fiscal and reporting demands and deadlines with determination and grace. He guided and advised the library staff members with the enormous project of having to inventory and document losses for insurance reporting, and put in many long hours to coordinate their efforts.
“John’s outstanding competence, tireless dedication and sheer perseverance displayed during the difficult months following the flood make him one of the true heroes on campus,” said Governor Lingle.
State TEAM of the Year – “The Sex Offender Web site Team” Department of the Attorney General
The selection committee named the Hawai`i Criminal Justice Center’s Sex Offender Web site Team as the State TEAM of the Year.
This 21-member team took the initiative to review, research, and classify more than 2,000 sex offender records, dedicating more than 1,500 hours to this project. As a result of their efforts, the statewide Sex Offender Web site with the names, public information and photos of more than 1,400 registered convicted sex offenders living in our neighborhoods and communities was made available to the public, just moments after the Sex Offender Registration and Notification bill was signed into law by Governor Lingle.
“Thanks to this team’s exemplary work, parents and families now have access to information to protect them from the worst sex offenders residing in our neighborhoods,” said Governor Lingle.
Governor's 2005 Selection Committee
The volunteer members of the Governor's 2005 Selection Committee reviewed the nominations and pertinent information prior to judging. The committee is comprised of representatives from businesses or non-State government organizations. This year's members are: David Akina, president, Paradise Yellow Pages; Jeff Chung, general manager, KBFD-TV; Jim Fulton, executive assistant, communications and government affairs, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City & County of Honolulu; Maryann Sacharski, director of advertising, Oceanic Time Warner; and Cheryl Williams, regional director of sales and marketing, Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
The Governor's 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. The Department of Human Resources Development administers the statewide program. For more information, contact Doreen Kuroda, Department of Human Resources Development, at (808) 587-1076.
Photos available upon request.
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For more information, contact:
Marie Laderta
Director, Dept. of Human Resources Devel.
Phone: 587-1100
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
