Airports

Meet the Twins, Shaun and DK (Dennis) Walsh

By: Brian Kamimoto

Sometimes, tragic events can be transformed into something good.

The motivation for twins Shaun and DK (Dennis) Walsh to become Airport Fire Fighters and ocean safety and rescue experts within our community, was born out of a tragic event. Their good friend and mentor, Batiste, suffered a devastating surfing injury which left him paralyzed. It was soon after the accident that inspired the twins to become Airport Fire Fighters and become teachers of ocean safety to lifeguards, schools and first responders first began.

The Walsh family is synonymous to Paia and Jaws as airports are to planes. Parents Kitty, a retired school teacher and Peter, an HC&S retiree, moved to Maui over 30 years ago from Newport Rhode Island and raised four boys. Brother Ian, who was born in Rhode Island, but grew up on Maui, is a world renown big wave surfer. Brother Luke is also a well-known surfer and known for running safety operations for big wave events. All four have been a major influence in their lives and journey by being incredible role models and being mentors that helped both define and expressed their calling.

As well-known ambassadors of big wave surfing and proponents of ocean safety, the twins have remained very modest and humble and are very respectful to everyone around them, young or old. These attributes are a direct result of great parenting, brotherly love and being around tremendous role models and mentors.

“The best thing ever is knowing that someone we trained had the knowledge to save a life,” said Shaun.

For more info on the twin’s water safety and rescue company, Global Aquatics, see https://www. global-aquatics.com/

If you’re visiting Paia town and want some good eats, visit the twin’s go to place, Paia Bowls, https://www.paiabowls.com/.

Airports

Maui District Admin Answers the Call

“We’re all in this together,” and “You’re not alone.” With those words, Maui Airport District Manager

Marvin Moniz

and his staff reached out to the Department of Health and patients at Kalaupapa Settlement to offer hand sanitizers and N-95 and homemade masks. Travel restrictions and the worldwide demand for sanitizers and masks have hindered the isolated community’s efforts to obtain essential safety supplies.

Roxanne Prito, Denise Texeira, and and Liani Pilot Barry Redmayne and Olivier Lesaux

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting everyone with unexpected challenges. The Maui District Admin staff rose to the occasion, reaching out to Maui Brewing Company, who donated a five-gallon container of hand sanitizer, the Coast Guard Auxiliary who flew the supplies to Kalaupapa and Hapa Design who provided the homemade masks.

By: Brian Kamimoto

Pauline Aloha Kuhia, Kapalua Airport’s AOM III scoured the shopping malls for 50 three-ounce spray bottles. The bottles were then filled with the sanitizer and delicately packed for shipment by District Secretary Roxanne Prito, BSS Denise Texeira and Office Assistant Liani Souza.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary’s District Staff Officer – Aviation, John Mango Manganaro, scheduled the mission for Sunday April 5th, which was flown by pilot Barry Redmayne. This was the second mission in as many weeks flown by the Auxiliary for the District, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first was a mission to Lanai to transport temperature scanners, hand sanitizer dispensers and other supplies for Lanai Airport’s terminal and maintenance buildings.

Marvin remarked that, “We need to take care of the people we work with, more than ever. Don’t underestimate the impact you have upon your fellow workers and above all, we have each other’s backs.”

DOH Administrator Kalaupapa Ken Seamon and Pilot Barry Redmayne

Airports

A Message from Airports Deputy Director By: Ross Higashi Deputy Director

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has caused extreme disruptions to business operations, including, in particular, business operations at our airports. Having felt the impact of the disruptions first-hand, DOTA understands the challenges posed by this pandemic.

First of all, maintaining a safe working environment is the utmost goal for our operations. The DOTA has worked feverishly to sanitize our airports day in and day out, preparing and implementing airport policies and procedures for all passengers relating to the 14-day mandatory self-quarantine program. I am sure you have read and watched the news relating to the effects on travel to and from our airports, which has reduced Hawaii’s air traffic by more than 90 percent.

Secondly, DOTA will receive federal grants-in-aid to support our airport system. We will continue to analyze operations and adjust accordingly. What we have accomplished thus far is impressive, given the very little time provided to implement travel procedures that are abnormal. We know the procedures are economically challenging, but health and safety definitely outweighs.

Lastly, words cannot express the appreciation to all DOTA employees for the timely assistance, support and sacrifice, along with sharing ideas and recommendations from experience, in our effort to combat this devastating virus. It takes a team effort to overcome new and difficult challenges. And I realize this baffling pandemic is physically and emotionally draining as well.

We are in this together and we will get through this crisis. Stay safe and healthy, and most of all, keep up the faith.

Mahalo to Chief Ouderkirk for His Service!

Chief Donald Ouderkirk Jr. started his Firefighter career back in August 1979 at the age of 17 when he joined the United States Air Force. He then got out of the military in June 1983 where he started his employment with the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai from June 1983 to February 1991 . He was then hired as a Firefighter for Lihue ARFF on February 14, 1991 (Valentine’s Day). He worked his way up through the ranks throughout the years to where he is now, the Airport Fire Chief at Hilo.

Once the youngest firefighter in age, his fondest moments are times working with outside

Airports

KOA ‘Ohana Welcomes Jeffrey Harper

HDOT welcomes Jeffrey Harper Kona International Airport’s new GCMS Supervisor

What are your interests?

Q: What do you hope to achieve at the Kona International Airport?

I am excited to join my new maintenance team and working with upper management towards achieving the goals and plans I have for the Kona International Airport.

My main focus is safety for my team. Hoping to further train, teach and develop interest in taking pride in your finished task after each day. Everyone loves to be told, “Hey! That looks nice,” or “Wow! I’m impressed how you did that” or “I truly appreciate you taking full accountability and responsibility for that,” it’s a kind gesture that goes farther than a harsh comment.

Plus, cleaning up the maintenance base yard. If your environment is organized, you’ll become organized and feel better about yourself and your job.

My main interest is the development of my children. I’m a single parent so making sure they grow up wise, learn to have compassion and always to tell the truth.

I’m a road warrior, I enjoy traveling to places most won’t go, I most enjoy nature, love a good cookout and an ice-cold beer. My Harley and I have seen the mainland coast to coast and I’m looking forward to getting it over here to the island.

Do you have a secret talent no one else knows?

Well, if I share my secret talent, everyone would know! It’s finding humor in every situation. No matter how large or small. Always keep the kid in you – if you don’t, you’re gonna grow old and miserable.

OUDERKICK continued from page 7

agencies during training and incidents (Kauai & Hawaii County Fire Departments, Civil Defense, Ambulance Companies, Police Departments, etc.) that help each Airport that he was once assigned to. He shared that ARFF has made great strides since he started and he wanted to thank his mentor Airports Chief Martinez Jacobs for all his hard work over the years for his impactful difference. He knows he can leave knowing his successor will also be mentored the same way. time in the Fire Service of 40+ years. He has made many friends for life and have worked with many Professional Firefighters throughout his career. He appreciates them and will miss every one of them and all the great people employed at the DOT Airports that he has grown to know very well. “

Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. Wishing Ouderkirk Jr. all the very best!