7 minute read
Airports
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Receives Its Fourth Airport Carbon Accreditation Certificate By: Guy Ichinotsubo
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announces that the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) received its fourth Airport Carbon Accreditation certification from the Airports Council International (ACI), recognizing HNL’s accomplishments of reducing its energy use and carbon emissions and moving towards a sustainable future.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global benchmark for carbon management in the airport industry. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport along with 46 airports in North America were recognized for its achievements of carbon reduction. In addition, HNL was one of only 14 airports in North America, who were accredited at “Level 2”, which signifies that the airport has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions inventory verified by an independent third party and has continued to reduce carbon emissions under HNL’s control on a year-over-year basis. For more information on the Airports Council International, please view their website at https://aci.aero/. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has received accreditation for the past four years since 2015 and remains committed to improving
Standing (L-R): Ross Higashi, Steven Santiago, Benton Ho, Gordon Wong (FAA), Martinez Jacobs, Herman Tuiolosega, Marvin Moniz, Alex Tamoria, Steve Maruyama Sitting (L-R): Carlos Salas (FAA), Issa Castro (ACI-NA), Guy Ichinotsubo, Roy Sakata, Tanya Sakamoto, Lynn Araki-Regan its sustainability and reducing its energy use and carbon footprint. Guided by its Sustainability Policy and energy savings initiative, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, under the HDOT, is committed to achieving its goals in reducing energy use, carbon emissions, water consumption and waste sent to landfill. The HDOT’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the State’s goal to achieve 100-percent clean energy by 2045.
Airports
Successful Food Drive Collects Over $5k for Hawaii Island Food Basket
By: Boo Baldovi
For the last several years, I’ve been honored to work with a nonprofit organization called Vacation for Warriors, where they would send wounded veterans on an all expense- paid vacation of their choice, free of charge. Many choose Hawaii.
Earlier this year, I received an email from Bob DeMonbrun, founder of Vacations for Warriors, asking if I could get with the Maui Veterans Council and meet with Michael and KimberLee Jernigan October 27 at the Kahului Airport. Michael is 100% blind due to an IED attack while going into Fallujah, Iraq.
Michael and KimberLee arrived on Maui early Sunday evening where they were greeted by Vietnam Veteran Bo Mahoe, Kahului Airport Manager Marvin Moniz, Mahalo Michael Jernigan for your service. We hope you and your wife KimberLee enjoyed Maui. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino, Maui Veterans Council Representative Janna Hoehn and myself DOTA Grounds Maintenance “Boo Baldovi.” Missing in the picture is DOTA employee Kathy Wade. Mahalo to everyone who came out to greet Michael and KimberLee. We hope they enjoyed their stay in Maui. We want to send a big thank you to all our veterans and their ‘ohana. Thank you!
The holidays are just a little bit more merrier for unfortunate Big Island families as tenants of the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport generously donate over $5,000 in cash and gave more than 1,150 lbs of food for ARFF’s 2nd Annual Food Drive.
By: Rae Nguyen
Mahalo for all who donated!
ARFF’s Green Platoon organizes the yearly food drive in a bid to help end hunger on the Big Island.
All proceeds and donations went to Hawaii Island Food Basket where Marshall Akaumu West Hawaii operations manager was grateful for KOA’s generosity.
Many donated in memory of Polly Zanger, former Assistant Airport Superintendent who unexpectedly passed away last Sept.
Airports
Kona Keiki Learn How to Be a Firefighter
Cuteness Overload! Kids from the Kamehameha Preschool got a chance to see what’s it like to be a firefighter for a day at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
About 40 kids hobnobbed with Kona ARFF personnel, putting on firefighting gear and learning how to shoot water from a fire hose.
“It’s something the kids can aspire to be when they grow up,” says Fire Chief Max Matias.
By: Rae Nguyen
He adds, “it’s a perfect time to ‘spark’ the idea of a service-oriented career pathway!”
Anyone interested in tours at the Kona ARFF station or even the Kona FAA Tower can call the Airport at (808) 327-9520.
Airports
Individuals Honored for Protecting Kapalua Airport, People
By: Brian Kamimoto
The nearly 1,000 acre Kahana Ridge Fire on October 22, 2019 not only demonstrated the great work our Kapalua and Kahului ARFF and maintenance departments did, but the fire also brought out some excellent resources in three non DOTA employees working at Kapalua Airport. Their combined efforts contributed to the safe evacuation of aircraft and people at the airport and protected the terminal building from fire. The services they provided exceeded all expectations.
Chaz-Paul Sato with Maui Airports District Manager Marvin Moniz
A brief ceremony, that was also attended by the Governor’s Aide Leah Belmonte, was held to honor Tanya Keawe Chang (Unicom Operator), Chaz-Paul Sato (USDA/APHIS) and Thomas Martin (Securitas) for their roles in helping save the airport from severe fire damage. Each received a letter of commendation and a certificate of appreciation.
Mahalo Tanya Keawe Chang for your service.
Thomas Martin was also recognized for his hard work.
Keawe was the Unicom tower operator on duty, working in a very dynamic and volatile situation in dealing with the impending fire and trying to launch aircraft before the fire reached the airport. In addition, Keawe was giving SITREPS to the District Manager, Fire Chief and Airport Superintendent, all at different times while still trying to dispatch flights and advising incoming flights of the dangers of the fire. Chaz-Paul is with the USDA/APHIS bird control. Disregarding his own safety, Chaz patrolled the smoke and ash filled airfield inside perimeter fencing of the airport and directing the ARFF personnel to hotspots that needed to be extinguished. Without his help, the fire would have surely jumped the perimeter fencing and caused major damage to the terminal building.
Thomas who is the LEO at the airport handled the evacuation of the airport like a professional when the word came down from the Maui Police Department to evacuate the airport. The terminal building was filled with smoke and ash, but Thomas made it a point to escort everyone out safely, even while jeopardizing his own safety. Their desire and willingness to help played an important role in protecting both life and property at Kapalua Airport. Their actions epitomize all companies working in concert for a common cause.
Airports
Kahului ARFF Station Helps Cancer FoundationBy: Brian Kamimoto
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. AFEO Brad Irimata led Kahului ARFF Station’s annual cancer awareness fundraiser by selling tee shirts. Brad literally “put his money where his mouth is” by paying for the tee shirts and printing in advance. His big-heartedness and the salesmanship of Kahului ARFF Station resulted in a $1,500 donation to the Pacific Cancer Foundation.
The Pacific Cancer Foundation provides free support services to Maui’s cancer community. All donations help bring in much-needed funds for the foundation’s programs and outreach. The Pacific Cancer Foundation is unique in that 100% of donations stays in Maui County. All monies raised go directly to programs to improve the quality of life of Maui County cancer patients, survivors and their families.
ARFF’s community based projects are not only confined to October. ARFF personnel also provide free year round CPR, AED and Stop the Bleed certification to the community. Next time around, join Brad and his fellow firefighters by purchasing a tee shirt.
