19 minute read
Congratulations Graduates
Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
We would like to congratulate all of our DOT ‘Ohana’s graduates! Whether it be from preschool, high school, or college, these formidable students have become united, as the pandemic has brought the entire world together to heal and conquer the COVID-19 virus together. Never before has a graduating class been called to head into a future with more purpose, energy, vision, and hope. They have become the change makers in the world because they have had to adapt to so much uncertainty. Way to go,
Sophia-Star Pascual
Turla, the granddaughter of Nimfa T. Turla of Airports Divsion, who graduated Waikele Elementary School. She plans on attending St. Joseph’s School for middle school.
Let us celebrate their success as graduates and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
Congratulations to Carissa Albertson, daughter of Highways’ Division’s Chiara Albertson, who graduated from Cornerstone Early Education Center in Mililani Mauka. Carissa will be starting kindergarten at Mililani Ike Elementary this fall.
Kudos to Jaci Anne Baricuatro, daughter of Candi Miguel of Highways Division, who graduated from Nā Maka Kindergarten Prep School. She begins kindergarten at Mililani Uka Elementary this fall. Congratulations to Rachel Nakata, daughter of Ryan
Nakata of HWY-O, who recently became an alumnus of Hawai‘i Baptist Academy! She plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.
Congratulations to Jordyn Kobayashi who recently graduated from Hawai‘i Baptist Academy. The daughter of Juli Chun, Jordyn is looking forward to her freshman year at Santa Clara University where she will pursue a degree in finance and international business. She is aspiring to one day become an international business attorney to help foreign companies do business in the United States.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Cole Ichikawa, son of Grace Ichikawa of the Director’s Office, who graduated from ‘Iolani School. A recipient of the prestigious I Club Award from ‘Iolani School, Cole will be attending Loyola Marymount University this fall. Congratulations to Chayce-Lyn Naomi Makalapua Collier, the daughter of Highways Division’s Dayna Madison. She recently graduated from ‘Aiea High School and will be pursuing a career in graphic design in fashion.
Kudos to E.
Meleana
Duvauchelle, daughter of Kona International Airport’s Cy Duvauchelle. A recent graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, E. Meleana will be attending Orange Coast College. Congratulations also to Jason
Uechi, son of Steve Uechi of Highways Division. A recent graduate of ‘Iolani School, Jason will be heading to Santa Clara University this fall. Congratulations to
Rheyna-Lynn
Foronda-Caldetera, daughter Airports Division’s Irma ForondaCaldetera, who recently graduated from Pearl City High School. She plans on attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ where she plans on majoring in aeronautical science.
Congratulations to Micah Neves, son of Airports Division’s CoriAnn Neves. A recent graduate of Maryknoll High School, Micah will be attending Colorado Mesa University and majoring in psychology.
Congratulations Graduates!
Kudos to Kainoa Pundyke, son of
Highways Division’s Chloe Pundyke. A new alumnus of James Campbell High School, Kainoa will looking forward to attending a trade school before pursuing a career of his choice.
Congratulations to Enki Grimsley, son of Lisa Arizumi of the Highways Division. A graduate of Punahou School, Enki plans to attend The New School Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts in New York.
Congratulations to
Mesha Rae
Albano, niece of Harbors Division’s
Ameria (Mia)
Childress. A recent magna cum laude graduate of Waipahu High School, Mesha was recognized for her outstanding academic and STEM achievements and is looking forward to attending UH - West Oahu where she will major in forensic anthropology. Congratulations to Mina Hany Sokar, son of Airports Division’s Hany Sokar, on receiving his bachelor of science degree in biological human health sciences from the Hawai’i Pacific University. Mina plans to take the MCAT exam this summer and start applying to medical school for cycle 2021.
Congratulations to Michael C.M. Louis, son of Diane Louis and Highways Division’s Stanley Louis, on receiving his Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii at Manoa. He is studying for the bar exam and plans to practice law at a local law firm. Kudos to Tyrone John P. Sumibcay, son of Highways Division’s Teodoro Sumibcay, on recently graduating from the Johns Hopkins University. He will be returning to Baltimore to work while applying to medical schools.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to
Aeris Līhau
Joseph-Takeshita who recently graduated from Marymount Manhattan College, a liberal arts college in New York City, New York. Aeris is the beautiful & extremely talented niece of Airports Division’s Jaime K. Kauhi. “With everything going on right now, my plans are up-in-the-air. Once things start to look up, I’ll head back to New York City, restart the audition grind and hopefully book a job! The entertainment industry might be on pause, but I’ll be ready when it picks back up again. Right now, I’m just focusing on staying safe, physically and mentally,” said Aeris.
Congratulations to Shelby Suzuki, daughter of Dean Suzuki, Airport Fire Equipment Operator at DKI, on receiving her bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Hawai’i. She was hired as a veterinarian technician with plans to continue her education in veterinarian medicine.
Congratulations to
Daisha-Lee Iwalani
Romualdo, daughter of Airport Lieutenant Kaohilii Romualdo, on graduating from Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama Campus. She plans to attend the University of Hawai’i - West Oahu.
Congratulations to
Keaomalamalama
Ei Shing Qirin Liu, the granddaughter of Airports Division’s Hawaii District Manager Chauncey Wong Yuen. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools at Kapālama with honors and plans to study chemistry at Creighton University.
Congratulations to the proud parents, Carrie Chun and Highways Division’s Marvin Chun, on their son Alex Chun receiving a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Portland. He was honored as a Maxima Cum Laude graduate. His initial goal was to play college soccer; however, his focus on his studies took priority. In the future, Alex plans to have a career in the medical field.
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Kamaha’o Lau who recently graduated with the Class of 2020 from Makua Lani Christian Academy in Kailua Kona, Hawai’i on May 23. The son of Airports Division’s Rachel
(Lahela) Napua
Lau, Kamaha’o will be attending Grand Canyon University in the fall majoring in computer science with an emphasis in game and simulation development.
Congratulations to
Madison Kanoe
Midori Yee, the granddauther of
George Kodama
of the Airports Division. Madison graduated from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas and will be working for a mechanical contracting company in Las Vegas.
Congratulations to
Nettaly Turla
Deocares, the granddaughter of Nimfa Turla of the Airports Division, on graduating from Pearl Ciy High School. Nettaly is looking forward to attending the college of her choice. We join Airports Division’s Sandra Hiyakumoto in congratulating her niece, Kelsey Takahashi, on graduating from ‘Iolani School. Kelsey did so well academically and as a student-athlete in soccer. She plans to attend the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in the fall.
Congratulations to Nakamalei K Meyers, the granddaughter of Highways Division’s Blossom Meyers, on her graduating from Nanakuli High School. A cum laude graduate, Nakamalei is still exploring her many exciting options.
Congratulations Graduates!!
Congratulations to
Kyrah Kuratani, a recent graduate of
Kapolei High School!
She is the daughter of Lynn Kuratani and Airports Division’s Michael Kuratani. Kyrah’s goal is to be a flight attendant and will also be attending Leeward Community College. Congratulations to Sage Sugiki, a recent graduate of Hawaii Baptist Academy! He is the son of Dean Suzuki of the Airports Division. He looks forward to attending University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Engineering.
Your cloth face covering should:
• Reach above the nose, below the chin, and completely cover the mouth and nostrils
• Fit snugly against the sides of the face
• Be made of multiple layers of fabric that you can still breathe through
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damaging the material or shape
Do not buy surgical masks to use as a face covering. Those are intended for healthcare workers and first responders. Many items you may already have in your home can be used to create face coverings.
Try creating a cloth face covering using bandanas, ski masks, washable napkins, or dish towels.
LEADING THROUGH THE QUARANTINE AND RETURN TO WORK
Leaders faced many challenges keeping their teams focused and engaged during the quarantine and now must cope with bringing their teams back to a work environment which may be significantly different than before. These courses will help leaders at all levels navigate some of those challenges:
Recommended Courses
Click on the course title below to view the video
Leadership: How to Structure Your Team’s Return to the Office 8 minutes Managers: Sharing Workplace Challenges 5 minutes Managers: Managing the Whole Person 6 minutes Managers: Guiding Teams Through Stress 7 minutes COVID-19: How to Hold a Meeting 1 minute Video Conferencing: Location 3 minutes Video Conferencing: Etiquette 5 minutes
HMSA ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
are Webex classes that teach members about nutrition, stress management, and other aspects of health and well-being. These 45-minute online workshops support HMSA employer groups’ health and well-being plans.
HOW IT WORKS
• Schedule your workshop with our team • A Webex invitation for the workshop will be sent to the group coordinator with instructions on how to join. • The group coordinator will forward the invitation to employees with a personal note/invitation to attend. • The workshop is approximately 35 minutes of presentation and 10 minutes of Q&A. • A short voluntary survey link will be provided for participants to complete after each workshop.
ONLINE WORKSHOP TOPICS
DIGITAL ACCESS TO YOUR CARE
With your smartphone or PC, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the most of our digital tools at hmsa.com, including HMSA’s Online Care®, Find a Doctor, and more.
EATING ON THE RUN Takeout Edition You may be aware that fast foods tend to be high in salt, calories, and added sugars. But it is also likely that you are craving some comfort foods during these uncertain times. In this session, we will look to find a balance between eating healthy and eating happy. If we can’t always make the healthiest choices, with the right amount of knowledge and determination maybe we can make choices that are “less unhealthy.”
HEARTY ADVICE
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol can increase your risk. Join us and see how physical activity, smart nutritional choices, and time for relaxation can lower your risk of heart disease. You’ll also learn how your cardiovascular system works and strategies for living longer and better. STRESS BUCKET Coronavirus Edition Each of us has a limited amount of stress we can “hold” before overflow occurs. In recent weeks, the number of stressors coming at us has rapidly increased. Knowing how to manage and “drain” this stress is crucial in preventing high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and other health afflictions. Join us and realize simple (and often enjoyable) ways to lower the volume of stress in your “bucket.” SUPERMARKETING! Coronavirus Edition In light of recent events, we might be buying more processed food than normal. These canned, frozen, or bottled products tend to be high in sodium, fat, sugar and calories. It’s important to read, understand, and compare the Nutrition Facts Labels on these foods and beverages so you can make healthier choices.
WELL-BEING 101
People often try to make lifestyle changes to benefit their health. Unfortunately, these changes are often hard to make and stick to. Learn how to use the “stages of change” model for making comfortable, lasting improvements. Taking smaller steps can make it easier to exercise more, eat healthier, and relieve stress. WORKSTATION WELLNESS Work From Home Edition Do you suddenly find yourself working from home fulltime? While the commute might be more pleasant, spending hours with a makeshift workstation and a disrupted routine might be wearing you down. If certain precautions aren’t taken, it could lead to increased risk for repetitive motion disorders, poor posture, eyestrain, and perhaps most dangerous — a sedentary lifestyle. Learn how to make the best of your new work environment.
FAQS
What are the hours to schedule online workshops?
Normal business hours between 8 a.m. with the last workshop at 4 p.m. based on instructor availability. However, we understand that there may be groups with different work shifts so please submit a request for workshops outside of normal business hours for consideration.
How do I schedule an online workshop?
Please contact Heather Lauro via email at heather_lauro@hmsa.com, or phone at (808) 952-7725, or email workshopsurvey@hmsa.com and include the following information: • Your department name and the workshop coordinator’s contact information including your email and phone number • Workshop title(s) you would like to offer to your employees • Preferred date(s) and time(s) for each workshop title • Estimated number of participants
What is the minimum/maximum participation?
We would like to target between 10-50 participants per workshop. If we experience low participation, then we may need to cancel or reschedule the workshop. Requests for larger groups can be sent in for consideration.
Is the department coordinator required to provide a participant count?
This information is helpful for the instructor and can be provided at a later date if the coordinator does not have the estimate at the time of the initial request.
Do participants need to turn on video during the workshop?
No, video will be disabled during the workshop. In addition, the instructor will mute all participants once the session begins and will unmute during the Q&A.
What are the system requirements for Webex meetings?
For full system requirements click on the following link: https://help.webex.com/en-us/nki3xrq/WebexMeetings-Suite-System-Requirements
How do I get additional help with the Webex platform?
Refer to Webex online help center at https://help.webex.com/ld-nyw95a4CiscoWebexMeetings/Webex-Meetings#Get-Started. We recommend that you check with your IT team to confirm Webex is an approved platform that meets your organization’s firewalls. Systems testing is also recommended prior to scheduling workshops.
Are workshops open to all EUTF members regardless of health plan affiliation?
These online workshops are available to all EUTF employers/unions and their staff regardless of health plan affiliation. Keep in mind that HMSA health plan benefits, tools, and resources may be referenced in these workshops. Digital Access to Your Care is specific to HMSA programs and resources.
Will online workshops be offered after COVID-19?
As Hawaii’s COVID-19 situation continues to evolve daily, HMSA is committed to continuing to serve our employer groups and their employees and will continue to evaluate demand after COVID-19. Any plans for discontinuing online workshops will be communicated well in advanced to groups.
Can more than one department/agency collaborate to offer the same workshop?
Yes, the same Outlook invitation will be sent to both coordinators for distribution. Keep in mind the ideal size of a workshop is under 50 participants.
Is the workshop participation information tracked, such as participant name and department?
The department name(s) and total number of participants logged in in the workshop with be tracked for aggregate reporting only.
For more ways to improve your health and well-being, visit https://hmsa.com/well-being/.
The ‘Ekahi Diabetes Management Program centers on the belief that patient-centered, team-based care combined with patient education on how to make lifestyle changes can help manage the effects of diabetes. Along with working with your physician, the program has four components: • The Hui – group education with a 12-month curriculum • Medical Management • Nutrition • Emotional Wellbeing
Participation in the program can be done virtually including neighbor islands. ‘Ekahi Diabetes providers include nurse case managers, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, registered dietitians, and behavioral health specialists. To participate in the program, we require a referral from your physician along with a diagnosis of diabetes.
What you can expect:
• Improved quality of life • Increased energy • Health education
Improvement in:
• A1c • Blood pressure • Cholesterol • Weight • Self-care
Why managing your diabetes is important:
• Diabetes can lead to “long term problems to organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels” (American Diabetes Association). • 142,000 people in Hawaii have diabetes. • An estimated $1 billion is spent in 2017 for direct medical expenses in Hawaii • $460 million is spent on indirect costs from lost productivity. • People with diabetes spend 2.3x more in medical expenses. My diabetes and blood pressure issues no longer scare me. I feel more confident and I know what to do to stay healthy!
- Roy S., Diabetes Patient
Start your diabetes management journey today!
You are the center of your healthcare at ‘Ekahi Health.
We will be hosting a virtual webinar for our program on Wednesday, June 10th and Wednesday, July 8th at 11 AM.
The Hui will include regularly scheduled group sessions instructed by our various healthcare professionals. Each group will contain up to 12 people. We aim to create a supportive community around your goals to help you to stay motivated and accountable.
Your individual provider visits will complement the Hui Program by providing you with more individualized check-ins.
During the first 9-weeks, your group will meet for 1 session/week for 1 1⁄2 hours, maintaining the same schedule. After the 9-weeks, your sessions will taper down to 1 session/month for the remaining 9 months. This helps you stay consistent with your progress for the long-term!
If interested please contact Daniel Tanigawa at (808) 829-8167 or dtanigawa@ekahihealth.com.
Sponsored by the Island $avings Plan
Attend virtually from your laptop, tablet or PC!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
The Island $avings Plan (or the State Deferred Compensation Plan) is sponsoring a state-wide Virtual Employees’ Bene ts Fair for State and participating County employees. This Virtual Employees’ Bene ts Fair will be held in place of the live in-person Fair.
AT THE FAIR YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
• Watch a message from the Plan’s Board of
Trustees Chairman • Make an appointment to meet virtually with
Prudential Deferred Compensation
Plan Counselors • Review fund information and interact with various fund managers • Go virtual with American Fund Group representatives at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for Q&A sessions • Attend live webinars and view workshops on demand • Explore and learn more about the Plan’s tools and resources • Go Green by signing up for electronic communications, con rmations and statements • Play the “Outsmart the Market” activity
HOW TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL FAIR:
On the day of the Fair, go to www.prudential.com/islandsavings and click on “Attend the Fair.” You can then register, just like you would at the live fair, and enter the virtual oor where you can learn more about all of the important features of the Island $avings Plan retirement bene ts.
TECHNOLOGY NEEDED TO ATTEND:
Employees will need a computer and internet access to participate. For the best experience, employees should register using an up-to-date version of Google Chrome (preferred), Safari or Firefox from a desktop/laptop.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Go to prudential.com/islandsavings for a detailed description for workshops. See the link for workshops under “PLAN NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS.” On June 17, you will need to click on the “Attend the Fair” button on the Plan’s homepage to access the live webinars.
8:00 a.m. Pre-Retirement (Prudential)
8:45 a.m. Morningstar Investment Advice and Managed Accounts
9:15 a.m. Exploring the Big Picture of Retirement Income (Prudential)
10:00 a.m. Vanguard—Target Date Funds
10:45 a.m. Plan Overview (Prudential)
11:30 a.m. Morningstar Investment Advice and Managed Accounts
12:15 p.m. Understanding Market Behavior (Prudential)
1:15 p.m. New Retirementality (Invesco)
2:30 p.m. Vanguard—Target Date Funds
3:15 p.m. Pre-Retirement (Prudential)
4:00 p.m. The Power of Ahupua‘a (Prudential)
Door prizes will be selected randomly from the list of employees that register for the Fair.
The Governor has approved State employees use of up to two hours of work time to attend one Bene ts Fair this calendar year. Employees who choose to attend this Virtual Fair may participate for up to two hours of their work time within their designated work schedule. Neighbor island county employees should check and seek further guidance from their respective human resources department. Individuals who require special needs or accommodations may contact Grace Baracao at least 3 business days in advance of the Virtual Fair via email at PR.ISP.Hawaii@prudential.com.
