Dept. of Transportation Quarterly Newsletter
Connecting the DOTs...
January - April 2022
Winners of Weight Loss Challenge Agree: Just Start! By: Melanie Martin This year’s weight loss challenge was competitive, with 1st place male winner Justin Acosta edging out previous year’s winner by a hair.
First place male winner Justin Acosta poses his “before” and “after” selfie.
Dayna Madison won 1st place for females setting a great example for her teammates at the Harbors Division.
Wellness Coordinator caught up with the winners and asked them how they got the job done.
1st Place Male Winner Justin Acosta What did you do differently from last year? A couple of things that I’ve done was intermittent fasting. I would do it five days out of the week. I would fast for 18 hours.
My first meal would be around 11 am and last meal around 5 pm. I would then eat four healthier meals during the six hour window. See WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE page 11
Seeking 2021 ISAC Nominations It’s ISAC time! ISAC nomination period: April 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022. Fillable nomination forms can be found on SharePoint. The Team Nomination form has been revised to include both ISAC and WASHTO – only one nomination form is needed. 1. For Employee of the Year/ Sustained Superior
By: Donna Honda
Performance use ISAC 100 2. For Team of the Year use ISAC WASHTO, Team of the Year 3. For Manager of the Year use ISAC 300 4. For Special Recognition use ISAC 400 Please send your nominations to PER before the close of business on June 30, 2022. See 2021 ISAC NOMINATIONS page 10
Contents
CONNECTING THE DOTs Editor-in-Chief: Darren Cantrill Managing Editor: Rae Nguyen Column Writers: Melanie Martin Jai Cunningham Copy Editor: Daniel Garcia
Contributors: Jade Butay Jai Cunningham Brian Kamimoto Daniel Williams John DeJesus Donna Honda Shelly Kunishige Rey Domingo Steven Santiago
Winners of Weight Loss Challenge ............................. 1 Seeking 2021 ISAC Nominations ........................ 1 Congrats ISAC Winners ...... 2 Administration .................... 4 Airports ................................ 6
Congratulations 2020 ISAC Winners! By: Jai Cunningham Employee of the Year - Shelyne Valenciano The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is like a city unto itself. A city that must be kept secure, and that is where Shelyne Valenciano comes to the rescue.
“The Everything Leftover” Soup ................................... 10 Arrivals ............................... 12 Departures ......................... 13
That’s what Robin Shishido has on his plate as he is in charge of all operations of Maui District's sections: Design, Construction, Maintenance and Environmental Management.
As Assistant Airport Superintendent (AIR-OO), Shelyne moved the Pass and ID Office to a higher level in terms of efficiency, productivity, compliance, and integrity with the Department of Homeland Security. She has instituted an appointment system similar to the DMV for 20,500 airline employees, vendors, construction workers, and other personnel needing access to do business at the airports. Manager of the Year - Robin Shisido When you are asked to oversee highway operations for Maui County you’re actually overseeing three islands, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Harbors .................................7
Provides leadership and guidance for all employees to perform their role in providing and maintaining a safe highway system. Team of the Year - Team Quarantine Melanie Martin and Juli Chun You may have heard something about this pandemic we have been in the past few years called Covid-19? Well, team quarantine stepped up in a huge way with 25 brave souls taking on the challenge. The co-chairs were Melanie Martin, Civil Rights Coordinator and Juli Chun from Harbors. A huge congratulations to all the team members on their exhaustive effort they put fourth.
PAGE 2
Administration Premium Conversion Plan and Employer-Union Health Benefits Open Enrollment April 18-May 13
By: Rey Domingo
The Premium Conversion Plan (commonly referred to as PCP) Open Enrollment Period (OEP) will be held beginning April 18 through May 13, 2022 and coincides with the EmployerUnion Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) annual open enrollment. Elections made during this OEP will become effective on July 1, 2022.
your take-home pay should be greater than if you do not enroll.
The PCP is a valuable, voluntary tax-savings benefit program that allows you to deduct your health plan premiums on a pre-tax basis.
If you are already enrolled in PCP and do not plan to make any changes to your health benefits plans, you do not need to do anything, as your authorization and participation in PCP will automatically continue into the next plan
Your income will be taxed after your health benefits plan contributions are deducted, so
During the OEP, you may enroll, make changes to or cancel your existing PCP enrollment without experiencing a qualifying change in status event.
See PREMIUM CONVERSION page 10
Office of Civil Rights Welcomes LiSa Teri Chang
By: Daniel Williams
Office of Civil Rights hires LiSa Teri Chang who joins the DOT ‘ohana as a DBE Staff Specialist. What aspect(s) of your new job at OCR are you most interested in?
What experience(s) from your background has helped you adjust to your new position? Being RIFed from DOH to DOT in 2010 really showed me that I cannot plan everything out in life. Sometimes, I just have to roll with the changes. “Let go, and let God handle it.”
I am interested in learning about and seeing how the SBE/DBE Program works to help local small businesses.
Where is your most treasured travel destination and why?
What aspects of your job are you excited about? I am excited about the new challenge of stepping out of my comfort area to learn a whole other side of working in the DOT.
One in particular was the last trip my husband and I took with my parents before dad passed away. We cruised the Baltic Sea and went up to St. Petersburg, Russia. Dad was so happy he got to visit! The Hermitage was fantastic!
PAGE 4
Administration How Long Until Someone Figures Out Your Password? By: Darren Cantrill You might have seen this graphic recently, on how long it would take a hacker to crack your password. Hackers have access to sophisticated software that can run thousands of password combinations in a minute. I’d like to offer a few tips to better help you manage your passwords: • Instead of using a password, think of a passphrase like “The horse is brown” (but substitute vowels for numbers (ex: E = 3 | i = 1 | A = @). Spaces are counted as characters so this password is 18 characters long. • Use different passwords at work than you do at home. • Use a password generator like: https:// passwordsgenerator.net/ • Use a password manager on your mobile device or use a password protected note application.
Please spend a little bit of extra time protecting yourself by reviewing all of your passwords and consider making them longer. Don’t wait until something happens before you update your passwords.
• If you use Chrome, use the built-in password manager. • Don’t use common passwords. PAGE 5
Airports OGG Hosts Tahiti Firefighters for Live Fire Training By: Jai Cunningham
took just five to get to Hawaii.
And for our firefighters it was a win to train alongside partners from Polynesia and form an alliance that could be beneficial in times of natural disasters. This March’s training was so successful we plan on hosting the Tahitians in the future, making this a biennial event. The crews from Tahiti need to be certified every two years.
It’s a partnership made in Polynesia. In early March, 12 firefighters from Tahiti ventured to Maui for five days of live fire training at Kahului Airport (OGG). It was a first of its kind event. Alongside OGG Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighters (ARFF) the crews extinguished numerous live fire events. They also participated in systematic search patterns for victims for removal from a mock fuselage. It was a great opportunity for the crew from Tahiti because they usually travel all the way to Paris every three years for the exact same training. So instead of 18 hours of travel to France, it
There was also the challenge of working between English and French, but there was a regional trainer on hand who could translate for the Tahitian Fire Fighters. And did you know Tahiti has 46 regional airports, with four of them internationally certified. Things got really heated at OGG, but we’re fortunate to have such professionals dedicated to serving our airports!
KOA, OGG and LIH Named Best U.S. Airports for Avoiding Flight Delays and Cancellations Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, Maui International Airport and Lihue Airport was named best small airports by Travel + Leisure, citing lowest rates of major arrival and departure delays and cancellations. Read the article here. PAGE 6
Airports OGG Says Good-Bye to Roxanne Prito
By: Brian Kamimoto
be one that all of us in the airport community will always missed. God Bless her on a so welldeserved retirement.”
Secretary Roxanne Prito poses with ADM Moniz at her retirement party.
When asked what stood out in her career, she replied, “it has been an interesting career for sure. I truly enjoyed the challenges, good and bad. Never a dull moment and everyday is different. Events that will forever stand out are the attacks of 9/11, ATA and Aloha closing and most recently, the pandemic.”
Marvin
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Kahului Airport’s team for the last 28 years.
Besides not having to wake up at 5 a.m. every morning for work, Roxanne is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
“I consider myself blessed for being able to retire and spend time with my husband and family traveling and making memories.
They have purchased an RV and truck in California, where her children and grandchildren reside.
“Just thankful for each and everyone I crossed paths with. I will miss it for sure, and it was a great ride, ” Secretary Roxanne Prito said at her retirement farewell party.
Roxanne will be a part-time California resident and after having shipped her horses, she looks forward to riding and competing in rodeos once again.
Maui District Manager, Marvin Moniz commented on Roxanne’s impending retirement.
Roxanne started her career as an 89-day emergency hire at Kula Hospital in 1992.
“Roxanne will be truly missed as a professional who had a passion for taking care of people and giving from the heart,” said Moniz. “Putting others before herself to make sure health and safety was a top priority. Even with 28 years working at the airport, she treated every day like it was her first day. Her positive can do make it happen attitude will
She also did a brief stint as a worker’s comp clerk. In 1994, she transferred to Kahului Airport as the Office Assistant in Custodial. Three years later, she accepted a position as a Secretary II to the ADM. Roxanne will be riding into the proverbial cowgirl sunset, albeit, not with a horse, but on a jet plane to California, COB March 31st.
PAGE 7
Airports LIH Receives $8.5 Mil to Expand Ticket Lobby
By: Jai Cunningham
Lihue Airport (LIH) is bigger and better than ever thanks to an $8.5 million expansion of the ticket lobby.
“The expansion of the Lῑhuʻe Airport ticket lobby is part of the larger $2.3 billion Airport Modernization Program and will increase efficiency and comfort for travelers coming through the State’s fourth busiest airport,” said Ige.
The improvements increased the useable area of the lobby by relocating USDA baggage screening equipment and filling in four garden areas. The project was funded entirely by state airport revenues. Governor David Ige was at the blessing March 22.
Ige continues, “our airports are critical in serving our visitors and residents alike in our island state.” The work highlighted how important our neighbor island facilities are for the DOT, a huge congratulations to all who worked on the project!
Local High School Artwork on Display at ITO
By: Steven Santiago
Various east side high schools on the Big Island participated in the renovated restroom project to create art for dispay on the construction barricades in theme with “What We Love About Hilo.” DOT donated 24”x24” plywood and the kids got to work. Artwork is visible on the walkway leading to the TSA checkpoint. Make sure to check it out. PAGE 8
Harbors 37th Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run
By: John DeJesus
State DOT Harbor Police is proud to continue its support for the Hawaii’s Special Olympics and our partner Law Enforcement agencies as we once again will be participating in this year’s 37th Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run (2022) set on Saturday June 18, 2022.
the community. We would like everyone from DOT to your show support for this wonderful opportunity to help our boys and girls of Special Olympics Hawaii. For those who are interested in purchasing a shirt or donate to Special Olympics Hawaii, please send and email to John.D.Dejesus@ Hawaii.gov with your shirt size and contact information by April 22nd 2022.
Special Olympics Hawaii was established in 1968 as a non-profit organization to provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The event also fosters increased understanding and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in
Harbors Shout Out for Cruise Ships Welcome
By: Jai Cunningham
Kudos out to our team at Harbors in coping with the cruise industry coming back online. DOT-H worked with federal, state, and county agencies to craft port agreements with Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and Carnival Cruise Lines. In the coming months Disney ships will start calling on Hawaii ports as well as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships. Those two lines have “opted in” with Centers for Disease Control guidelines covering response to Covid-19. Job well done Harbors! PAGE 9
Recipe of the Month: The “Everything Leftover” Soup Looking for a way to use leftover scraps from previous meals and to clean out the fridge at the same time? Look no further! Anyone feeling resourceful can do this easy soup using common items in the kitchen. • chicken or vegetable stock • chopped onions, green bell peppers, celery and tomatoes. Try bean sprouts! • beans - any kind, kidney, black or even edamame • any kind of protein, leftover Costco chicken,
By: Rae Nguyen
Portuguese sausage, hot dogs
Sautee hearty meats first, like sausages. If it’s chicken, panfry the onions and bell peppers first, adding a little oil to the pan. Add beans followed by any stock of your choosing. Put it in a simmer for an hour or two. Add a bay leaf if you want. Salt and pepper to your desire. Tada! Dinner is ready!
2021 ISAC NOMINATIONS continued from page 1
The following is a short explanation of the ISAC and WASHTO programs. Incentive and Service Awards Committee (ISAC) The Incentive and Service Awards Committee program’s purpose is to provide formal recognition of employee achievements. To motivate employees, to improve operations and build morale, and to contribute to the efficiency, economy, and other improvement of government operations. It was meant to serve as a medium through which management could encourage employees to use their own initiative and contribute more than the minimum of their job requirements.
It was also to serve as a medium through which management could express its appreciation for extra efforts by granting honorary, cash or similar awards for commendable performance. The Western Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) The WASHTO Award program’s purpose is to recognize teams that have demonstrated exemplary initiative and leadership, outstanding work performance, creativity, and innovation in achieving work efficiency or generated revenues or cost savings, and/or significant contribution towards the attainment of the program objectives.
PREMIUM CONVERSION continued from page 4
year. Please kindly inform your co-workers who do not have a hawaii.gov email address.
Conversion Plan” slide presentation from the Department of Human Resources Development by clicking on this link.
For a quick overview on the PCP, and how it works, please take a few minutes to view the “At-A-Glance State of Hawaii Premium PAGE 10
WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE continued from page 1
I ate little to no starches during my fasting and no soda at all. I walked a lot and more cardio than weights. What did your exercise regimen look like? Four days, I would run/walk on the treadmill in the morning after my work shift. I would incorporate body weight exercises like pushups, sit-ups, and burpees. I would do high intensity interval training for the rest of the week with light weights. Workout with weights would keep my heart rate up. What did you eat? I would eat things like salads, green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. Protein would be chicken breasts, steak strips, fish, shrimp, and turkey meatballs. Cheat days would be pizza, plate lunches, or getting my sushi fix.
Richard: I ate smaller meals and exercised more.
What is your advice to others on their wellness journey? Start! You just need to be disciplined and stay on track. Know why you started and use that as motivation. 1st Place Female Winner - Dayna Madison What did your exercise regimen look like? Due to health issues, I was not able to apply an exercise regimen. I substituted all starches with salads, increased my fiber intake, and I drank a minimum of 65oz of water daily. What did you eat? How often? I ate a lot of veggies, and I would be snacking on veggies and nuts between meals. What is your advice to others on their wellness journey? Don’t wait, just start now. I’ve tried every diet you can think of…. They work, but results don’t last if it’s too difficult to maintain. Try to make lifestyle changes instead. For the second year in a row, team Lihue Air
“Men” Christian Brock and Richard Perreira took home the 1st place prize. What did you do differently from last year? Christian: After last year’s challenge, I gained 5 pounds throughout the year. Once again, I lost another 15 pounds and I feel like I’m at my ideal weight.
What did you eat? How many meals a day? Christian: I cut out all processed sugars from my diet and made my meal portions smaller. I tried intermittent fasting. I lost 5 pounds the last week alone. Richard: I would have 4 small meals a day and cut rice out from my diet. What did your exercise regimen look like? Christian: I walked at least 10,000 steps a day. I have kept that routine after the challenge ended and I’m at 70 days straight now. Richard: I worked out for five days and rested for two. What is your advice to others on their wellness journey? Christian: Start with small goals. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Try to stop the routine of eating at certain times of day and only eat when you feel hungry. Richard: Keep on pushing yourself to get to where you want to be and to Never Give Up.
PAGE 11
ARRIVALS “Arrivals and Departures” spotlights new employees and and congratulates retiring employees. DOT wishes both departing/retiring employees well. It is an honor to welcome new groups the best in their future endeavors.
ARRIVALS
NAME
Deborah Saito Mark Garrity Amy Yagi Ronald Amemiya Raymond Wiley Jr Eric Lavoie Gerald Scott Tevarua Eldridge James Shimoda Kamakahaloa Keawekane Charles Fisher Daryl Yokomizo Kari Benes Jerome Dawson Joshua Riccio Bon Rudolf Rodriguez Rafael Vila Lizmov Keoni Doo Keanu Fonseca Rennie Serrano Kyle Sakurada Russell Ribordy Ziggy Muramoto Jaret Hieda Breeana Corpuz Letizia De Lannoy Kobayashi Kim Fukumoto Kerry Miller Jerry Tabag Kimberlee Aiu Walter Ragasa Bryan Chun
E Komo Mai!
TITLE
Airports District Manager II Executive Director Engineer IV ATDC Program Specialist Building Maintenance Worker I Groundskeeper I Groundskeeper I Airport Firefighter Recruit I Accountant IV Airport Firefighter Recruit I Airport Firefighter Recruit I Engineer II Highway Safety Manager Highway Safety Specialist Airport Firefighter Recruit I Janitor II Engineer III Airport Firefighter Recruit I Airport Firefighter Recruit I Engineering Technician V General Laborer II Building Maintenance Helper Airport Firefighter Recruit I Air Conditioning Mechanic I Office Assistant III Engineer V Groundskeeper I Air Traffic Controller Janitor II Property Manager III General Laborer I Motor Carrier Safety Offcr I
PAGE 12
DIV/ISLE
AIR/Oahu ADMIN/Oahu HWYS/Oahu ADMIN/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Maui HWYS/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Hawaii HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Molokai HAR/Hawaii AIR/Oahu HAR/Oahu HWYS/Kauai HAR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu
DATE
01/01/2022 01/01/2022 01/03/2022 01/03/2022 01/03/2022 01/11/2022 01/11/2022 01/21/2022 01/24/2022 01/24/2022 01/28/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/15/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/07/2022 03/09/2022 03/09/2022 03/16/2022 03/16/2022
DEPARTURES “Arrivals and Departures” spotlights new employees and and congratulates retiring employees. DOT wishes both departing/retiring employees well. It is an honor to welcome new groups the best in their future endeavors.
DEPARTURES
NAME
Leitan-Lee Kaili-Mauhili Tracy Waialae Juli Chun Jon Hosaka Kamakana Kaimuloa Duy Ninh Julann Sonomura Michael Howells Nestor Tani John Figueroa Ford Fuchigami Arnold Subia Jarrett Yanagida Ka Chun Wat Maveric Abella Yibo Hsu Glenn Gueco Pearl Kaneshiro Sean Achong Eric Choi Kimberly Pinuelas Gabriel Delapenia Jason Mones Roy Lovstedt Jr Kenneth Kurukawa Daniel Koike Milton Tanaka Kenichi Nomura Preston Ko Jodi Anderson Bryan Chun
Mahalo Nui Loa!
TITLE
Storekeeper I Janitor II HMP General Professional Asst Eng PM for Prg & Prj Mgmt HMP Project Manager Accountant IV Engineer V Drafting Technician VI Engineering Technician VI General Laborer II Administrative Svcs Offcr II Building Maintenance Worker I Engineer III Engineer V Engineer II Research Statistician V Airport Operations Contr II Janitor II Airport Operations Contr II Electrician Helper Purchasing Technician I Harbor Enforcement Officer III Groundskeeper II Highway Safety Manager Building Maintenance Worker I Engineer III Automotive Technician II Air Traffic Controller Highway Safety Specialist Office Assistant III Motor Carrier Safety Offcr I
PAGE 13
DIV/ISLE
HAR/Oahu AIR/Hawaii HAR/Oahu HAR/Oahu HAR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Hawaii HAR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HAR/Hawaii AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HAR/Oahu HWYS/Maui HAR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu HWYS/Oahu
DATE
01/01/2022 01/01/2022 01/01/2022 01/01/2022 01/01/2022 01/03/2022 01/03/2022 01/04/2022 01/05/2022 01/15/2022 01/20/2022 01/27/2022 01/29/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/01/2022 02/03/2022 02/08/2022 02/08/2022 02/11/2022 02/17/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 03/16/2022 03/17/2022
May is Mental Health Month Celebrate Mental Health Month with the EUTF and HMSA! While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Join us for this 4-week self-care challenge that focuses on simple ways to improve your emotional well-being.
2022 Self-Care
Challenge May 2 - May 27, 2022
Click here to register Challenges are open to all EUTF members, 18 years and older, regardless of medical plan affiliation.
State of Hawaii
Premium Conversion Plan (PCP) Open Enrollment Period (OEP) Notice
April 18 to May 13, 2022
What is the PCP? PCP is a voluntary benefit program that allows you to deduct your health plan premiums on a pre-tax basis. This means you’ll be paying less federal income, State income, and FICA taxes. For more information, please review the PCP Plan Document. * Who Can Enroll and When Will This Take Effect? Employees who are enrolled in the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), and whose health plan premiums are processed through the Department of Accounting & General Services (DAGS) are eligible to enroll in PCP. Your election will become effective on July 1, 2022. How Can I Enroll or Make Changes? If you wish to enroll, change, or cancel your existing enrollment, you can make your selection in the Plan Selection section of EUTF’s EC-1/EC-1H Enrollment Form and submit directly to your Human Resources Office designee no later than May 13, 2022, the end of the OEP. If you’re already enrolled and do not wish to make any changes, no action needs to be taken, as your authorization and enrollment will automatically continue into the next plan year. Reasons Why You May Wish to Change or Cancel Your PCP Enrollment. • You no longer have any eligible dependents • You are no longer in a domestic or civil union partnership • You were not allowed to make a PCP change during the plan year. If any of the above applies, you should change/cancel your PCP enrollment now. Otherwise, you will not be able to change/cancel your deductions until July 1, 2023, unless an allowable IRS- qualifying change in status occurs (e.g., marriage, birth of child, etc.).
*For
more information or to request a copy of the PCP Plan Document contact your Human Resources Office or visit: dhrd.hawaii.gov
NOTE: You may want to consult with a tax advisor to help determine whether this Plan will benefit you. Administered by the Department of Human Resources Development January 2022
EUTF / KAISER PERMANENTE Results of the 4-week Challenge to achieve $1 Million virtual dollars
Congratulations to all participants! WHAT PARTICIPANTS LIKED MOST ABOUT THE CHALLENGE "It pushed me to exercise more and feeling motivated to be more productive.“ "It helped keep me accountable and many days seeing that I was just short of certain benchmarks kept me striving to reach them instead of just watching TV or going to bed."
➢
63% of active participants achieved or surpassed their $1 Million program goal
➢
Top 8 participants each earned $2.94 Million virtual dollars
➢
69% of members that joined a team reached the $1 Million goal.
445 Registered Participants 132 participants joined 31 teams
25 State and County agencies participated!
Department
Team Results
Most participants
Average $$ earned per person
Average $$ earned per team
1st
Dept of Education 163 participants
Dept of Agriculture $1.78 Million
Big Mac Attack $2.76 million
2nd
Dept. of Human Services 58 participants
County of Maui $1.50 Million
Big Island $2.70 million
3rd
County of Honolulu 17 participants
Dept of Business, Economic Development and Tourism $1.06 Million
Kamuela Warriors $2.68 million
Place
Department
kp.org/eutf/getinshape
PREMIUM CONVERSION PLAN
PLAN DOCUMENT-FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF HAWAII INTRODUCTION The State of Hawaii’s ("State") Premium Conversion Plan ("PCP" or "Plan") provides an opportunity to most health benefits plan participants to save some tax dollars and make the most of their paychecks. It is being offered pursuant to HRS chapter 78, and within the meaning of Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("Code"), as amended, relating to “cafeteria plans”. To retain this benefit, the State must administer the Plan in strict compliance with the Hawaii PCP Administrative Rules 14-51 (“Rules”). It is important to read this Plan Document thoroughly. Carefully weigh the Plan’s effect on your social security benefits. You may want to consult with a tax advisor to help determine whether this Plan will benefit you. Please keep in mind that this is only a summary of HRS chapter 14-51, “Premium Conversion Plan”, and is not the complete text. In all cases where a question arises, the Rules will govern. The Rules may be examined, or a copy may be obtained by contacting: Director of Human Resources Development (DHRD) PCP Administrator 235 S. Beretania St., 14th Floor Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or, visit the DHRD website at: dhrd.hawaii.gov/administrative-rules/ This Plan Document sets forth the material features of the Plan in a question and answer format. 1.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PLAN?
When you enroll in this Plan, your income will be taxed after your health benefits contributions are deducted, so your take-home pay should be greater than if you do not enroll. 2.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PLAN?
You are eligible to participate in the Plan if you are an employee of the State and enrolled in any health benefits plan offered through the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund ("EUTF") and your payroll deductions are processed through the Department of Accounting and General Services. 3.
HOW DOES THE PLAN WORK? When you enroll in this Plan: ♦ You authorize the State to reduce your gross salary (before federal, State, and social security taxes are calculated) by the total amount of your health benefits plan contributions; and
♦ The result is that your take-home pay is likely to increase since you will pay less federal income, State income, and FICA taxes. Let’s look at a hypothetical example to show how the Plan would increase the take-home pay of an employee: this employee earns a gross pay of $2,000.00 per semi-monthly pay period, is married, claims zero exemptions, and enrolled in two-party health plans requiring a total employee contribution of $283.00 per semi-monthly pay period: Gross Pay PCP Reduction Gross Taxable Federal Tax withheld State Tax withheld FICA Tax withheld Health Insurance Vision Care Dental Insurance Other Take-home pay Gross Pay PCP Reduction Gross Taxable Federal Tax withheld State Tax withheld FICA Tax withheld Health Insurance Vision Care Dental Insurance Other Take-home pay
NOT enrolled in PCP $2,000 0 $2,000 $101.60 $88 $153 $267 $3 $13 $100 $1274.40 Enrolled in PCP $2,000 $283 $1717 $73.30 $69.88 $131.36 0 0 0 $100 $1342.46
In this example, take-home pay will be $68.06 more per pay period, or $1633.44 more per year if this employee enrolled in the PCP. (Calculations may vary- example based on 2019 withholding tables). Please note that the above example was based on an employee who is married. If you cover your domestic or civil union partner under your health plan, there may be other tax liabilities in connection with your domestic or civil union partner's coverage, such that the tax savings benefit of enrolling in the PCP may be minimal. Therefore, you may want to consult with a tax advisor prior to enrolling in the Plan. 4.
HOW AND WHEN CAN I ENROLL IN THIS PLAN?
New Employees- If you are a new employee, you may enroll in the Plan when you become eligible to enroll in any of the eligible health benefits plans. Normally, this is within ninety (90) calendar days of the date you were hired. If you do not enroll during this 90-day eligibility period or you elected not to enroll at the time you completed your new hire paperwork, you will not be able to enroll in the Plan until the following Plan year unless you are permitted under the Rules to enroll.
Employees wishing to enroll in PCP, shall make their selection in the Plan Selection section of the EUTF’s EC-1 or EC-1H (for HSTA VB members only) Enrollment Form and submit it to the Human Resources Office (HRO) designee.
Current Employees- If you are a current employee and do not enroll before the Plan year begins, you will have to wait until the following Plan year to enroll. The only exception to this rule occurs in the case where you are permitted under the Rules to change from an election of no health benefits plan coverage to an election for such coverage. For example, if you previously did not take medical coverage through the State because you were covered under your spouse’s medical plan, and your spouse dies or loses their job, you would be eligible to obtain medical coverage through the State, and you may also be eligible to enroll in the PCP. You must, however, file the appropriate forms with your HRO designee within ninety (90) calendar days of the event giving rise to your eligibility to enroll. Open Enrollment-Employees may enroll, make changes to, or cancel their existing enrollment without experiencing a qualifying change in status event during this designated time period. Employees wishing to enroll in, change, or cancel their PCP enrollment shall make their selection in the Plan Selection section of the EUTF’s EC-1 or EC-1H (for HSTA VB members only) Enrollment Form and submit it to their HRO designee no later than the end of the Open Enrollment period. The Plan Year normally runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. 5.
HOW CAN I CHANGE MY PCP ELECTION?
Your PCP authorization and election will be automatically renewed each Plan year. If you wish to change your election, you can only do so during a designated Open Enrollment period. The only exception is if a change in your status has occurred for which the Rules permit a PCP election change, such as, but not limited to: Your marriage, divorce, or marriage annulment.
Birth, adoption, or placement for adoption of a child or addition of a foster child.
Death of your spouse or dependent.
Change in the employment status of you, your spouse, or dependent.
Start or return from an (authorized) unpaid leave of absence.
Loss of eligibility by you or your spouse under a health benefits plan.
Your last dependent child becoming ineligible for coverage under your health benefits plan.
To make a change, it must be on account of and consistent with your change in status, and you must file the appropriate PCP change form with your HRO designee within ninety (90) calendar days of the date of the qualified change in status event. Approved changes will take effect after your forms are received, usually the following pay period, if administratively possible. For a complete list of IRSqualifying change in status events, see §14-51-24 of the PCP Administrative Rules. If, during the Plan year, premium rates increase and there is a change in employee contributions, the PCP Plan Administrator will make the appropriate adjustments. 6.
HOW CAN MY PCP BE CANCELLED?
8.
IF MY DOMESTIC OR CIVIL UNION PARTNER IS COVERED UNDER MY HEALTH PLAN, CAN I ENROLL IN THE PCP?
If you cover your domestic or civil union partner under your health plan and your domestic or civil union partner meets the definition of a "qualified dependent" under Section 152 of the Code and qualifies as your dependent for federal income tax purposes, you may deduct the entire premium contribution on a pre-tax basis. Otherwise, the contribution amount for your domestic or civil union partner shall be done on an after-tax basis. You must submit the PCP Domestic/Civil Union Partnership Acknowledgement Forms (PCP-DP/CU), which can be obtained from your HRO designee or the DHRD website at dhrd.hawaii.gov. For PCP enrollment changes, refer to Q&A # 5.
Generally, you cannot cancel your PCP election during a Plan year unless you transfer to a non-eligible employment classification, you marry and obtain coverage under your spouse’s plan, or your spouse gets a new job and you receive health benefits plan coverage through the new employer’s plan. You must submit the required cancellation forms within ninety (90) calendar days of your qualified change in status event. Approved cancellations shall become effective as soon as administratively possible, on a prospective (not retroactive) basis, after your forms are received (e.g., next pay period following receipt of your forms).
If you participate in the PCP, your Social Security benefits may be slightly reduced because your Social Security benefits and taxes will be calculated on your reduced salary amount.
There may be other situations in which cancellations may be allowed. However, you must write to the PCP Plan Administrator for prior written approval.
11. WILL MY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS BE AFFECTED IF I ENROLL IN THE PCP?
Otherwise, you must wait until the next designated Open Enrollment period to cancel your PCP election.
Participating in the PCP may affect your deferred compensation plan contributions if your contributions are based on a percentage of your pay rather than a fixed dollar amount.
Your PCP election will be cancelled if you should involuntarily lose eligibility for the health benefits plan you selected, as provided in the Rules. 7.
CAN I LOSE MONEY UNDER THE PCP?
Usually, you will not lose money by enrolling in the PCP. However, if you change/cancel your health benefits plan coverage but your PCP change/ cancellation is not permissible under the Rules, your PCP election will continue, and your premium payments will be forfeited. To ensure that your forfeitures are stopped at the end of the Plan year (i.e., June 30th), you must file the required PCP change/cancellation forms during the next Open Enrollment period. Reminder: Mid-Plan year changes and cancellations that are allowable take effect on a prospective basis after you file the required forms. The longer you take to file, the more money (premium payments) you are likely to lose. To avoid this, file in a timely manner.
9.
WILL MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BE AFFECTED IF I ENROLL IN THIS PLAN?
10. WILL MY RETIREMENT PENSION BE AFFECTED IF I ENROLL IN THIS PLAN? No, your retirement pension will not be affected by your participation in the PCP.
12. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GO ON LEAVE WITHOUT PAY? While you are on an authorized leave without pay ("LWOP"), out-of-pocket employee contributions that you pay to continue your health benefits plan coverage cannot be applied for PCP purposes. This is because these payments are made outside of the State’s payroll system and do not qualify for the tax savings available under the Plan. When you return from a LWOP, your PCP election will automatically continue if you continued your health benefits plan coverage during your leave by making the required out-of-pocket contributions. If your health benefits coverage was cancelled because you did not make the required out-of-pocket contributions while you were on a LWOP, your PCP election will likewise be cancelled as of the same effective date. However, you will be permitted to prospectively re-enroll in the PCP when
you return to work, provided you have filed the appropriate PCP forms with your HRO designee within ninety (90) calendar days of your return. 13. WHAT APPEAL RIGHTS DO I HAVE? If your PCP change or cancellation request is denied, you may file an appeal by writing to the PCP Plan Administrator within thirty-one (31) calendar days after receiving notice of the denial. Your letter must set forth all your reasons for appealing the denial. (address under Q&A # 14.) The PCP Plan Administrator shall act upon your appeal within sixty (60) calendar days after either receipt of your request or receipt of any additional materials reasonably requested from you, whichever occurs later. You shall be provided a written notice of the final decision on your appeal within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days of the date your appeal was filed. The decision of the PCP Plan Administrator shall be final and conclusive upon all persons. 14. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? If you have additional questions, please contact your HRO designee. Written requests may be sent to:
Director of Human Resources Development PCP Administrator 235 S. Beretania St., 14th Floor Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
************************************************* This Plan Document can be made available to individuals who have special needs or who need auxiliary aids for effective communication (i.e., large print or audiotape), as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, by contacting the DHRD Employee Assistance Office. Revised: January 2022 Administered by the Department of Human Resources Development
