David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige today recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards, which 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 statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.

“Public employees have made important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” said Gov. Ige.  “We are honored to work with such dedicated individuals and appreciate all they do each and every day.”

Governor Ige presented the awards for:

• STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR:  Daniel Hanagami, Chief Special Investigator, Department of the Attorney General
  Chief Hanagami has consistently proven himself to be an outstanding manager and has raised the Investigations Division to an unprecedented level of achievement.  He embodies integrity and is dedicated to protecting all citizens in the State of Hawai‘i.
• EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:  Steve Keahi, Airport Firefighter, Department of Transportation
  Steve has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make the Kahului Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting unit one of the best in the nation. Using his resourcefulness, Steve designed and built simulated training aids for the firefighters, helping them to protect the traveling public.
• STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR:  HIV Data to Care Team, Department of Health
  This team of thirteen individuals adopted an innovative peer based leadership method to treating patients with the HIV virus.  The Data to Care approach of identifying persons with HIV who were not in care, reaching out to reengage them in care, and providing support to stay in care and treatment reduces the serious medical consequences of untreated HIV/AIDS and reduces new HIV infections, which will save millions of dollars in public and private medical costs annually.

“These individuals have selflessly given of themselves to enrich the lives of those they service,” said Gov. Ige. “Their accomplishments perpetuate the aloha spirit and make our state a special place to live and work.”

The winners were selected from 50 exceptional groups and individual nominees.  A volunteer Selection Committee of five prominent members of the community carefully reviewed the 50 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories.  The committee presented their recommendations for the three awards to Gov. Ige.

The five members of this year’s Selection Committee are: Robbie Dingeman, Editor, Honolulu Magazine; Ellen Kitamura, Deputy Manager, Board of Water Supply; Shari Chang, CEO, Girl Scouts of Hawaii; Kamakana Kaimuloa, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; and David Lim, General Manager, KJ International Corporation.

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Media Contacts:
Jodi Leong
Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office: 808-586-0043
Mobile: 808-798-3929
[email protected]

Wilma Moriyama
Department of Human Resources Development
Office: 808-587-1076
[email protected]