Mayor Blangiardi names City’s Employee and Manager of the Year

HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi today celebrated the exceptional dedication and contributions of City and County of Honolulu employees during the annual 2026  Mayor’s Awards Program ceremony at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The program honors city personnel who demonstrate exemplary job performance, as well as those marking significant milestones of 25, 35, 45, and 50 years of dedicated public service.

This year, top honors went to two pairs of outstanding public servants: Jon Y. Kurosu and Weirong “Ron” He as the 2026 Employees of the Year, and Keith K. Ito and Paul T. Okamoto as the 2026 Managers of the Year.

“What makes our City government truly exceptional is the people who dedicate themselves every day to serving others,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our 2026 honorees represent the very best of public service. They go above and beyond what is expected, take tremendous pride in their work, and make a real, lasting difference in the lives of our residents. Their contributions often happen behind the scenes, without fanfare or recognition, but their impact is felt throughout our community. I could not be more proud of these outstanding individuals, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the people of Oʻahu.”

2026 Employees of the Year:

• Jon Y. Kurosu (Honolulu Emergency Services Department): Serving as the Emergency Medical Services District Chief, Kurosu was recognized for his transformative leadership of Oahu’s Crisis Outreach Response & Engagement (CORE) program. By restructuring field operations, Kurosu successfully doubled the program’s weekly 911 response capacity for homeless assistance. He also collaborated closely with city leadership to operationalize ACT 219 (the MH-3 process), personally supervising a field pilot that successfully brought 102 individuals in severe crisis into emergency care.
• Weirong “Ron” He (Department of Information Technology): As an Information Technology Specialist III assigned to the Honolulu Fire Department, He serves as an indispensable asset bridging front-line public safety with innovative technology. His intuitive applications have streamlined administrative workflows and directly enhanced HFD’s emergency response.

2026 Managers of the Year:

•  Keith K. Ito (Honolulu Fire Department): As Battalion Fire Chief, Ito has established himself as a visionary leader and HFD’s subject matter expert in wildfire and fire prevention, mitigation, and response. His strategic vision and unwavering commitment to innovation have transformed HFD into a recognized leader in disaster preparedness.
• Paul T. Okamoto (Honolulu Police Department): As the Metropolitan Major for District 6, Okamoto spearheaded a dedicated All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) detail and forged vital partnerships with the Honolulu Police Foundation, the Waikiki Business Improvement District, and various government agencies. His efforts culminated in a remarkable 91% reduction in homelessness within the Waikiki area, simultaneously improving public safety and connecting vulnerable individuals with shelter and supportive services.

Below is a list of Managers of the Year, departmental Employees of the Year, Outstanding Attorneys, Exceptional Achievement Award recipients, and 50-year, 45-year, and 25-year of Service Award honorees.

Manager of the Year

Patrick P.H.H. Chun, Board of Water Supply

Paula A. Youngling, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Derrick Ariyoshi, Department of Community Services

Harold T. Nedd, Department of Customer Services

Allyn Y.S. Lee, Department of Design and Construction

Denise M. Peterson, Department of Enterprise Services

Robert T. Primiano, Department of Facility Maintenance

Tracyn W. Miyashiro, Department of Human Resources

Nancy H.K.K. Vo, Department of Information Technology

Kimberly Ribellia-Collins, Department of Parks and Recreation

Christopher S. Ovitt, Department of Transportation Services

Korey K. Chock, Honolulu Emergency Services Department

Keith K. Ito, Honolulu Fire Department

Paul T. Okamoto, Honolulu Police Department

Employee of the Year

Bert A. Kawamura, Board of Water Supply

Sandy M. Nahoopii-Soong, Board of Water Supply

Emerald T. Le, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Dell H. Manini, Department of Community Services

Sarah K. Mesina, Department of Corporation Counsel

Helen Sue F. Muramoto, Department of Customer Services

Neal T. Tran, Department of Design and Construction

Edleen U. Doctorello-Hayme, Department of Enterprise Services

Walter A. Wise, Department of Environmental Services

Schahryar S. Tariq, Department of Facility Maintenance

Carla L. Wong, Department of Facility Maintenance

Darci Yamada, Department of Human Resources

Weirong “Ron” He, Department of Information Technology

Dawn M. Miyamoto, Department of the Medical Examiner

Walter K. Cambra, Department of Parks and Recreation

Deyzha P. Naparan, Department of Parks and Recreation

Keith R. Tamura, Department of Planning and Permitting

Noble K. Ah Choy, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Irene K.O. Banao, Department of Transportation Services

Harry K. Cho, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

Jon Y. Kurosu, Honolulu Emergency Services Department

Sean S. Chun, Honolulu Fire Department

Candace M. Lee, Honolulu Fire Department

Kalu A. Wolfe, Honolulu Fire Department

Samuel Magno Jr., Honolulu Ocean Safety Department

Leland N. Kudaishi, Honolulu Police Department

Jason Shon, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency

Outstanding Deputy Corporation Counsel

William “Kaina” Awong

Outstanding Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Gabriel D. Huntington

Valor

Honolulu Emergency Services Department

William B. Batalon,

Alexis N. De Costa

Julie K. Watanuki

Rodney G.L. Williams

Exceptional Achievement

Department of Emergency Management

Divina L. Corpuz-Kuhl

Mary Evelyn Daughety

Tiare Eastmond

Marie T. Jacinto-Kawabata

Damien J.L. Kahaulelio

Michael D. Kern

Mari K. Masuoka

James D. Mathis

Andre Moux

Molly Pierce

Jeffrey K. Spencer

Dustin Y. Tomi

Coriane M. Yamada

Department of Parks and Recreation

Bryson R.K. Anoba

Chelsey K. Barboza

James R.L. Broad

Michael J. Caringer

Noel D. Chilton

Dominic D.N. Cullen

Kathryn K. Eickstead

Brickwood A. Engoring

Naomi F. Fenstemacher

Kaianne P. Feurtado

Hideko Fields

Brian L. Groelsma

Robert C. Hausmann

Isagani P. Hernandez

Crenston K.M. Ioapo

Kurt T. Kashiwabara

Dana T.N. Katsutani

Brian F. Koren

Jarren K. Lucas

Alejandro G. Manansala

Jonathan S.A.K. Mar

Andrew J. Mattis

Anna Marie M. Mentac

Konlulu N. Mongkeya

Marla N. Nakata

Jeanine A. Nichols

Thomas M. Null

Pamela R. Owen

Alyssa T. Perez

Alma B. Phocas

Talia E. Portner

Freddie B. Reyes

Justin H. Rickard

Melanie L. Sanchez

Joshlyn D. Sand

Jarrett N. Shaw

Aaron Y. Yamamoto

Joanna Mae C. Yamamoto

Department of Planning and Permitting

Herbert Allen

Jerry T.A. Fujimoto Jr.

Franz P. Kraintz

Alexander S. Laurente

Ryan Laws

Timothy Leoncio

Rodman M. Low

Regina K. Malepeai

Darcy C. Marumoto

Joshua G. Matla

Ryan A. Mori

Derek Nishimura

Kiyomi M. Oyama

Dean M. Pang

Davis Pitner

Lynel A. Rabago

Malynne Simeon

Frodel C. Tolentino

Abe K. Toma

Vaughn E.L. Victor

Catherine E.G. Weinhardt

Clint K. Young

Honolulu Emergency Services Department

Ronald D.K. Galindo

Franklin S. Gregorio

Kathleen S. Higa

Jaclyn S.L. Hilea

Mike N. Hirata

Jeffrey R. Jacobson

Matthew L. Lamke

Christopher K. Pidot

Molly M. Swanson

Anthony K.T. Young

Jeffrey S. Zuckernick

Honolulu Fire Department

Sheena H.K. Kanagawa

Micah B. Komine

50-Year Service Award

Harold J.L. Mau, Department of Design and Construction

45-Year Service Award

Bryan K. Murakami, Board of Water Supply

Douglas Andrade, Department of Facility Maintenance

Collin R. Decosta, Department of Environmental Services

Kenneth F. Bogowitz, Honolulu Fire Department

35-Year Service Award

Glenn A. Ah Yat, Board of Water Supply

Tracy S. Burgo, Board of Water Supply

Cheryl A. Griep, Board of Water Supply

Benedict K. Meria, Board of Water Supply

Ian K. Saldania, Board of Water Supply

Mary O.L. Tsukuda, Board of Water Supply

Jason K. Flores, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Severino M. Gonzales, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Jon D. Hodge, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Robert A. Maeshiro, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Ricky W.H. Wong, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Lisa J. Lum, Department of Customer Services

Mitchell K. Neves, Department of Enterprise Services

Eric A. Au, Department of Environmental Services

Brian K. Baker, Department of Environmental Services

Robert A. Crawford, Department of Environmental Services

Walter L. Henyan, Department of Environmental Services

Douglas A.A. Herrod, Department of Environmental Services

John P. Hopeau, Department of Environmental Services

Lloyd M. Kakuni, Department of Environmental Services

Rondalynn L. Kawaauhau, Department of Environmental Services

Earl K. Keamo-Young, Department of Environmental Services

Kevin F. Kim, Department of Environmental Services

Kenlan Y. Kobayashi, Department of Environmental Services

Raymond L. Lee, Department of Environmental Services

Louise-Leann L. Lewis, Department of Environmental Services

Michael V. Martin, Department of Environmental Services

Maylene M.L.C. Ogawa, Department of Environmental Services

Kevin K. Salis, Department of Environmental Services

John F. Serrano Jr., Department of Environmental Services

Randolph L. Soriano, Department of Environmental Services

Jessie K. Unabia, Department of Environmental Services

Walter A. Wise, Department of Environmental Services

Charles K. Wong Jr., Department of Environmental Services

Efren C. Estomago, Department of Facility Maintenance

Ernesto G. Flores, Department of Facility Maintenance

Ramonito C. Flores, Department of Facility Maintenance

Daniel D. Galera, Department of Facility Maintenance

Gordon A. Hardy, Department of Facility Maintenance

Roland S. Tungpalan, Department of Facility Maintenance

Patrick Dumlao, Department of Parks and Recreation

James W.H. Keola, Department of Parks and Recreation

Michael K. Medeiros, Department of Parks and Recreation

Stan T. Mimura, Department of Parks and Recreation

Joshlyn D. Sand, Department of Parks and Recreation

Jo-Ann M. Yatogo, Department of Parks and Recreation

David N. Silva, Department of Planning and Permitting

Scott T. Yang, Department of Planning and Permitting

Lowell S. Hu, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Eddie B. Ilaban, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Donna E. Kaneshiro, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Darryl J. Miyahira, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Christine R. Nishimoto, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Abraham D. Farakish, Honolulu Fire Department

25-Year Service Award

Chesley W. Calma, Board of Water Supply

Mark J. Moran, Board of Water Supply

Marque-Lynn N.Y.S. Yagi, Board of Water Supply

Rosalynn L.E. Bee, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Evangeline T. Endrina, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Kelli J.S. Nishimura, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Craig S. Yamada, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services

Kristilyn K. Kam, Department of Customer Services

Adel C. Ogata, Department of Customer Services

Nagie M. Tamashiro, Department of Customer Services

Joy M. Furukawa, Department of Design and Construction

Dennis S. Kodama, Department of Design and Construction

Elaine H. Morisato, Department of Design and Construction

Edward A. Wong, Department of Design and Construction

Mitchell G. Wong, Department of Enterprise Services

Jonathan L. Baker, Department of Environmental Services

Leilani T. Batliner, Department of Environmental Services

Nelson R. Bueno, Department of Environmental Services

Brian R. Cabacungan, Department of Environmental Services

Jonathan T. Dano, Department of Environmental Services

Bell C. Dorde, Department of Environmental Services

Cory A. Helliangao, Department of Environmental Services

Dwayne E. Hendrickson, Department of Environmental Services

Tommy J.K. Jessop, Department of Environmental Services

Cheryl L. Kanae, Department of Environmental Services

Hilario J.C. Mangapit, Department of Environmental Services

David S. Marks, Department of Environmental Services

Daniel E.M. Medeiros, Department of Environmental Services

Victor D. Nahinu, Department of Environmental Services

Kevin M. Nojiri, Department of Environmental Services

Reynaldo M. Patricio, Department of Environmental Services

Craig T. Shoda, Department of Environmental Services

Patrick T. Suzuki, Department of Environmental Services

Joel G. Kelley, Department of Facility Maintenance

Isaac S. Nakamura, Department of Facility Maintenance

Michael A. Wilkins, Department of Facility Maintenance

Wilson G.H. Chan, Department of Information Technology

Byron Chu, Department of Information Technology

Gregory S. Cieless, Department of Information Technology

Kevin J.Y. Kunisaki, Department of Information Technology

Jenny H.L. Marion, Department of Information Technology

Gavin T. Miyata, Department of Information Technology

Diane M. Shiraki, Department of Information Technology

Nancy H.K.K. Vo, Department of Information Technology

Zarli H. Win, Department of Information Technology

Mark K. Acosta, Department of Parks and Recreation

Jonas Z. Anguay, Department of Parks and Recreation

Christopher G.W. Chun, Department of Parks and Recreation

Mark K. Chun, Department of Parks and Recreation

Luis D. Edrada, Department of Parks and Recreation

Greena U. Gunderson, Department of Parks and Recreation

Malia K.J. Hugentugler, Department of Parks and Recreation

Edwin P. Kaaihue, Department of Parks and Recreation

David L. Kahue, Department of Parks and Recreation

Joseph K.T.K. Kipapa, Department of Parks and Recreation

Carrie S. Leong, Department of Parks and Recreation

Rustico P. Lozano Jr., Department of Parks and Recreation

Allen K. Macarthur, Department of Parks and Recreation

Timothy N.N. Malama, Department of Parks and Recreation

Thomas M. Null, Department of Parks and Recreation

David A. Taipin, Department of Parks and Recreation

Brandon K.T. Au, Department of Planning Permitting

Janice H. Fukuda, Department of Planning Permitting

Ann T. Goo, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Tana K. Kekina-Cabaniero, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Tyson T. Tsukamoto, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Stephen K. Tsushima, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Mark S.P. Yuen, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney

Aaron A. Abergas, Honolulu Fire Department

Sean M. Arakaki, Honolulu Fire Department

Christopher M. Cabasa, Honolulu Fire Department

Kealiiaukai T. Cambra, Honolulu Fire Department

Benjamin K. Cazimero Jr., Honolulu Fire Department

Joseph Estrera Jr., Honolulu Fire Department

Casey B. Ferreira, Honolulu Fire Department

Thomas K. Fujimoto, Honolulu Fire Department

Randall S. Gibo, Honolulu Fire Department

Cory K. Hamaishi, Honolulu Fire Department

Eric K. Hammond, Honolulu Fire Department

Kawika T. Harbottle, Honolulu Fire Department

Robert J. Holland, Honolulu Fire Department

Kevin M. How, Honolulu Fire Department

Sean R. Kamai, Honolulu Fire Department

Reid S. Kawano, Honolulu Fire Department

Raeder W.P. Kinney Jr., Honolulu Fire Department

Marc K. Kunimitsu, Honolulu Fire Department

Shawn Y. Kuratani, Honolulu Fire Department

Edward E. Lee Jr., Honolulu Fire Department

Spencer L.K. Lonoaea, Honolulu Fire Department

Kenneth W.K. Mau, Honolulu Fire Department

Richie I. Mitsumoto, Honolulu Fire Department

Sean K. Monahan, Honolulu Fire Department

Joel K. Nakaya, Honolulu Fire Department

Kevin W.K. Neves, Honolulu Fire Department

Nolan S.K.S. Nip, Honolulu Fire Department

Christopher J. Nolan, Honolulu Fire Department

Ken H. Oishi, Honolulu Fire Department

Cade K. Oyadomari, Honolulu Fire Department

Larry J.S. Pasion, Honolulu Fire Department

Barron Rico, Honolulu Fire Department

Brandon K.A. Sardinha, Honolulu Fire Department

Corey M. Silva, Honolulu Fire Department

Ryan L. Stevenson, Honolulu Fire Department

Christopher J.H. Takayama, Honolulu Fire Department

Guy C. Takeya, Honolulu Fire Department

Craig M. Tamashiro, Honolulu Fire Department

Tory Y. Tamayose, Honolulu Fire Department

Jonathan K. Ting, Honolulu Fire Department

Randall F.K. Wong, Honolulu Fire Department

Tad L. Yamashita, Honolulu Fire Department

Kaleo J.K. Young, Honolulu Fire Department

Wayne H. Kawamura, Office of the City Auditor

Gregory L. Wills, Royal Hawaiian Band