Dept. of Transportation Monthly Newsletter
November 2020
Connecting the DOTs... First International Flights Under Pre-Travel Testing Program Arrive International travel to Hawai‘i resumed November 6 with the arrival of 64 travelers from Japan on an All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The visitors were the first to take part in the state’s pre-travel program that now includes both domestic and international trans-Pacific travelers.
ANA, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have a total of eight flights from Japan to Honolulu this month. ANA has another flight scheduled arrival on Nov. 20. Japan Airlines flights are scheduled for Nov. 10 and 23. Hawaiian Airlines flights from Japan are scheduled for each Saturday in The pre-travel testing November. The state program for all incoming is working with the travelers to Hawai‘i is part of a layered program, governments of Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, that includes thermal screening of passengers at and New Zealand, as the next international desarrival gates and receiving a negative COVID-19 tinations to resume travel under the Safe Travels test result within 72 hours of their flight to Program. While starting slowly, Lt. Gov. Josh Hawai‘i to bypass the 14-day mandatory quarGreen cited statistics that demonstrate the ecoantine. Upon returning to Japan, travelers are nomic power of international travel to Hawai‘i. subject to quarantine, but Gov. David Ige said “A single Airbus at 85% passenger capacity is the state is working with the Japanese governestimated to bring spending of $105 million ment to treat Hawai‘i separately from the rest of to Hawai‘i, generating $12 million in taxes, and the United States. Most U.S. citizens are current- supporting 1,100 jobs,” Green said. ly restricted from traveling to Japan.
Table of Contents First International Flights .................1 Remembering to be Thankful ........2 Director’s Message ............................ 3 Administration ..................................... 4 Airports .................................................. 6 Harbors ................................................ 11 Highways ............................................ 16 Webinar ................................................17 Recipe of the Month ....................... 17
CONNECTING THE DOTs
Editor-in-Chief: Lynn Araki-Regan
Managing Editor: Rae Nguyen Copy Editor: Juli Chun Daniel Garcia Art Director: Frank Uratani
Contributors: Mike Auerbach Craig Bisgard Jade Butay Douglas Carroll Kyle Gregg Cyrus Howe
Samantha Lara Charles Lee Dawn Lee Carter Luke Rachel Roper Gary Tsuzuki Dean Watase
©2 0 2 0 C o n n e c t in g t h e D O T s . A ll r ig h t s re s e r v e d .
Column Writers: Darren Cantrill Melanie Martin Rey Domingo
Pumpkin Carving Contest Winners .................................................18
In t e re s t e d in s u b m it t in g fo r n e x t m o n t h ’s n e w s le t t e r ? S e n d y o u r a r t ic le s a n d h ig h re s o lu t io n p h o t o s t o ly n n .a r a k i-re g a n @ h a w a ii.g ii. g o v .
Arrivals & Departures .....................20 What We’re Thankful For ...............21
Remembering to Be Thankful
At least once a week, I set aside time to acknowledge and reflect on what I have to be thankful for in my life.
By: Rachel Roper
American Community Census, and the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.
It’s definitely an uplifting exercise and especially helps me to recognize the little things that add a lot of sparkle to life that could easily be overlooked by getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of day to day activities. The above graphic shows how to say thank you in the most spoken languages in Hawai’i according to the United States Census Bureau,
Also, to say thank you in American Sign Language: Place the fingers of your dominant hand near your lips while keeping your hand as flat as possible. Move your hand forward and slightly downwards toward the person you are thanking.
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Message from our Director Aloha HDOT ‘Ohana, This month I’m starting off my message by sharing how thankful I am for the continued support and hard work of all our employees in Airports, Harbors, Highways, and Administration. Although it is not possible (or advisable) for me to see all of you face-to-face during this time, I consistently witness the results of your efforts to keep our communities connected and strong. On October 15, we welcomed the first participants in the State’s Safe Travels Hawai’i Program. This program allows travelers from the continental United States entering the state to bypass the 14-day quarantine if they have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from an identified trusted testing and travel partner. On October 21, pre-travel testing partners for inter-county travel were announced. Details and frequently asked questions can be found at hawaiicovid19.com. Visitors spent $17.8 billion in Hawai’i in 2019 (https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/qser/outlookeconomy/). The pre-travel testing allows for visitor spending to resume somewhat and starting Nov. 6 travelers from Japan will be able to participate as well. This is important because according to expenditure data, visitors from Japan typically spend $48 more per day than the average visitor from the continental United States [$241 vs. $193 (average per day spending of visitors from the U.S. West and U.S. East market)]. The State and County administrations were only able to implement the Safe Travels Hawai’i Program because of the work we all have done to reduce the number of new COVID cases. The HDOT rose to the challenges posed by this pandemic. Although we have not been able to gather or completely engage in our typical activities such as the Ho’olaule’a, please remember that we are still one DOT and we are all here to keep our state’s critical transportation infrastructure going. Please read this November issue in the spirit of gratitude and togetherness in which it was created and know that I appreciate all that you do! Thank you for going above and beyond and for helping make HDOT what it is. Happy Thanksgiving! Jade
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Administration
Shelly Kunishige’s Amazing Transformation
By: Melanie Martin
During a time when many of us packed on the pounds during COVID 19, Shelly Kunishige took it off.
I started off doing intermittent fasting and keto. I found myself getting a little obsessive about it and I missed eating with my family so I switched to logging my food intake on My Fitness Pal and targeting 1500 calories a day.
Inspired by her amazing transformation, I asked her how she did it. Shelly didn’t let the pandemic stop her from her fitness goals.
Now I eat pretty much anything but am mindful of portion size.”
Maybe this will inspire you to get moving too. What does your exercise regimen look like?
How do you juggle, work, family and self-care?
My goal each week is to do 150 minutes of cardio and 3 strength training sessions. When I started in January my first goal was to do one workout video from YouTube a day to see what I liked doing.
I get up early to work out and I meal prep on the weekends. Now that my daughters are home all the time I try to get them moving. We set up some rings off our pull up bar and encourage them to hang from them for a few minutes per day.
I really liked the 10 minute beginner routine on the Jump Rope Dudes channel so I stuck with jumping rope for cardio. I alternate between that and getting on the exercise bike my husband bought me a few Christmases ago. For strength training I started off working on my form for push ups and squats. Right now I’m doing this full body routine (although I’m usually too impatient to do the full warm up). What type of nutrition plan or diet did you follow to lose the weight?
For work/life balance I have a journal with my work and personal goals for the week. Right now my personal goal is to read with my kids every day. The Sora app from my older daughter’s school is great for finding new books.” Do you have any recommendations to those wanting to start a fitness journey to better health? Besides checking with their physician before starting, any tips for us? As you say, check with your doctor. My tip is to find something you like doing every day. Life is too short to do stuff that makes you miserable.
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Administration Social Media Cybersecurity - How to Protect Yourself on the Web By: Darren Cantrill Now more than ever, people are spending an increasing amount of time on the Internet both at home and at work.
Random details can be used to target you online and in the real world. Keep your private information “private” and disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are (or aren’t).
The need to check your social media accounts can put you and your employer at risk. How? For every picture you post and every status you update, you are sharing information about yourself with the world.
Nothing says “rob me now” than posting pictures of yourself in a movie theater where a potential thief will know you’ll be gone for a few hours. Share with care!
Take these simple steps to connect with confidence and safely navigate the social world. According to Techjury.net, an average user spends 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media in 2020 with Facebook being the most popular. Since social media has become so popular, here are a few tips you can use to protect yourself. 1. If you connect it, protect it: Today we can connect by computer, smartphone, gaming device, tablet devices, almost every electronic device we own can connect to the Internet. The best defense against viruses and malware is to update to the latest security software, web browser and operating systems. Sign up for automatic updates and protect all your devices with antivirus software.
3. Report suspicious or harassing activity: Work with your social media platform to report and possibly block harassing users. Report an incident if you have been a victim of cybercrime. 4. Update your privacy settings: Set the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Disable geotagging (allows anyone to see where you are) to keep your location private, says a news report from NBC news. There are many articles on the Internet that can help you navigate through the security settings of your social media programs to help you with mitigating your exposure. Take some of that 2.5 hours and inform yourself on how to protect your presence on the Internet or one day we might be reading about you.
2. Don’t post anything private and remember there is no “delete” button: PAGE 5
Airports Happy Retirement Ross Smith! By: Mike Auerbach For the last 29 years, Ross Smith has dedicated himself to public service working for the State of Hawai‘i. Starting in August 1991 Ross joined DOT’s Public Affairs Office. From there, he flew over to the Airports Division in 1998 and eventually landed on his way to becoming the Supervisor for the Property & Business Development Staff. He was overseeing the Concessions Section, Property Management Section 1 (Oahu District Airports), Property Management Section 2 (Neighbor Island District Airports), Land Acquisition Section and the Contracts and Clerical Section for the last 16 years. Throughout his years at DOT, Ross has been a tireless worker dedicated to meeting the needs of the public and the demands of working with ever changing policies, laws and regulations. We wish Ross well in his retirement years and
will miss his snippets of trivia and word play. Thank you for your years of service with DOT! Little known facts: On weekends Ross could be heard at UH and High School Football games as an Aloha Stadium public address announcer. Prior to his career with DOT, Ross was a Realtor/ Broker specializing in leasing commercial properties and sales of commercial/residential properties. In the 1970’s he was a radio deejay personality for KCCN (Hawaiian Radio). Ross is also known as an excellent wordsmith (not to be confused with his full name: Ward Ross Smith).”
Aviation Quote of the Month:
“Get to the Choppa!” Which movie did you hear this from and who says it? Correct answer gets a KOA commemorative anniversary button. Email Rae Nguyen at tuyenrae.t.nguyen@hawaii.gov with your answer. Good luck!
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Airports Tips for Traveling During COVID Times By: Rae Nguyen
With Hawaii open for travel, people are already making plans to see friends and family or simply want a new change of scenery. But the process of bypassing the 14-day quarantine can be a bit jarring. Luckily for anyone traveling to Hawaii, there’s comprehensive info on the State website.
as each island quarantine/ COVID process varies from island to island. • Mask up and bring sanitizer. Airline carriers require their passengers to cover their mouth and nose at all times.
Travelers can go to HawaiiCovid19.com or call 800-GoHawaii for more info. Tips to remember when traveling to Hawai’i. • Check with your airline carriers. Cancellations can occur when an airline carrier does not meet its passenger load factor.
• Try to be flexible - it’s a fluid situation where everything can change drastically. If the island you’re heading to requires post-testing, bring snacks, books and games for the kids. It might take a little longer to get out of the airport.
• Check out the visiting island’s county website
Enjoy your stay. You’re in Hawai’i.
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Airports Paws Up! Largest Animal Rescue Fly to the Mainland By: Douglas Carroll Paws Across the Pacific flew more than 600 shelter dogs and cats on a chartered Hercules C-130 plane making stops on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii islands Oct. 28. Over 2,500 furry paws arrived at Seattle’s Boeing Field the next morning, where pet shelters and rescue groups received them while 120 of the shelter pets continued their journey to Walla Walla and Coeur d’Alene.
advance work in support of Paws Across the Pacific made the airport and flight operations components “easy” for the PawsXPacific team to quote Ric Browde, CEO Wings of Rescue. This in turn allowed them to focus on the animals. This monumental logistical undertaking was a huge success and covered by media across the state and the nation.
HDOT Airports Operations across the state and FAA Honolulu ADO/ATO teams
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Kudos to all involved in helping these animals find new, loving homes!
Airports Multiple Agencies Participate in Active Shooter/Insider Threat Exercise at KOA By: Craig Bisgard Bang! Bang! Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport experienced some earlymorning excitement as airport staff, tenants, security, national guardsmen, and first responders participated in an active shooter drill. Onlookers heard shots from somewhere, followed by a woman rushing through the airline ticket lobby yelling, “gun! Gun! He’s got a gun!” A “gunman” gave chase through the terminal checkpoint, and several wounded bystanders laid in wake. The KOA security team closed in right away. A final standoff occurred inside the terminal. In all, there were four “casualties” in the exercise, including the gunman. The KOA ARFF team then got to work administering care to the wounded. It was all over in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, this was just an exercise. TSA, DOT and Airport Police participated in
the yearly exercise, as recommended by Dept. of Homeland Security and required by TSA. Thanks to all who participated, helping to make the airport a well-trained, prepared-for-anything environment. PAGE 9
Airports November 9-13, 2020 is HDOT ’s World Kindness Week By: Charles Lee
The Hawai’i Department of Transportation is recognizing November 9 through 13, 2020 as World Kindness Week throughout the department, although World Kindness Day is actually on November 13.
5 Benefits From Being Kind: 1) Better Relationships. One reason kindness is valued in various relationships ranging from a significant other to a family member or friend; is that kind people are more empathetic.
The definition of “kindness” is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate; behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition and a sincere concern for others.
2) Fewer Negative Emotions 3) Increased Health 4) Increases Self-Esteem
Kindness starts with each of us. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, and kindness plays a big part of one of the things that our Hawaiian culture is all about -- Hospitality!
5) Makes The World a Better Place
HDOT ‘OHANA:
To show kindness is one of the most important things that you can do for someone. Kindness is like a key to the soul. It unlocks the heart and lets light in! Kindness is powerful because it can be achieved with simple acts. You can show kindness to both strangers and all those who you know. It also can be random or planned and it costs you nothing. You can be kind in small and big ways. There’s no debate that kindness is a strength. And it really is concerning to know that so many people believe it’s a weakness.
WORLD KINDNESS CHALLENGE TO OUR
1) Recognize and thank a person when they unexpectedly do something nice for you! 2) Surprise others by performing Planned or Random Acts of Kindness. 3) Share the above experiences with a co worker. 4) OPTIONAL….send your Kindness Experiences to charles.tw.lee@hawaii.gov. He will share these experiences in the next HDOT newsletter. (Please let him know if you wish to to remain anonymous).
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Harbors Kapalama Container Terminal Becoming a Reality
By: Carter Luke
The Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) started as an idea in the 1989 Honolulu Waterfront Master Plan and was developed further by the maritime industry stakeholders in the 1997 Oahu Commercial Harbors 2020 Master Plan and solidified in the 2014 Kapalama Container Terminal and Tenant Relocations – Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Director Jade Butay.
In 2008, Act 200 was passed, it assigned development of the Harbors Modernization Plan to Aloha Tower Development Corporation. However, in 2010 the Harbors Modernization was returned to the Harbors Division. The lynch-pin for KCT, Phase II was obtaining the USACE Dept of Army permit for which it took over five (5) years to obtain. Since 2010 the Harbors Division has worked closely with the Hawai’i Harbors User Group (HHUG). HHUG represents 25 key maritime stakeholders that have supported raising their fees and two bond sales to fund over $665 million in project costs associated with KCT and other key statewide improvements identified in ACT 200 - needed to modernize Hawaii’s aging commercial harbors system.
“The Kapalama Container Terminal project is especially exciting because it will add much needed docking and cargo space that will increase efficiency for harbor users, help reduce traffic around Honolulu Harbor, and address sealevel concerns for the facility,” said
The KCT, Phase II project, designed by Moffatt & Nichol, has been awarded on October 13, 2020 to Kiewit Infrastructure West who will complete the cornerstone project for the Harbors Modernization Plan. The project is the largest capital improvement project in Hawaii harbors history. It will increase operational efficiency, provide better resiliency of critical maritime infrastructure, and significantly reduce traffic on surrounding roadways. “This project is proceeding at a critical time when our state needs it most as we continue fighting COVID-19 and its impacts,” said Gov. David Ige. “The work will be performed by local talent and
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See KAPALAMA CONTAINER TERMINAL page 15
Harbors Welcome Harbors’ Officer Nicholas Pregill Harbor Enforcement Officer Nicholas Pregill joined us Oct. 25 and is a graduate of the Honolulu Police Department training academy and prior DLNR Conservation Resources Enforcement Officer. What made you want to work as a Harbor Police Officer? I’m excited to get back to conventional police work here as a Harbor Police Officer after spending 5 years working in Conservation Law Enforcement. Both my corrections and law enforcement experiences have provided me with valuable training and I hope to contribute to the Harbor Police ‘Ohana.
What is your motto or words that you live by? Nic
holas Pregill, Har bor We don’t always see things Enforcement Offi ce r as they are, but as we are.” I believe it’s important to look at the bigger picture in life and to strive to be fair, courageous and friendly in all of my interactions.
When did you first know that you wanted to become an Officer? I spent a couple of years working for TSA and realized I had a passion for protecting people and defending our country. I was also fulfilled by helping and interacting with people.
Aloha Harbor Traffic Controller Keri Klemek! Keri Klemek is our new Harbor Traffic Controller. She started work Sept. 16.
and the entire Harbors ohana.
What made you want to work at the Harbors Division? I've always had a love for the water and have been fascinated by the ships and tugs since I was a kid. Every time I would drive by the Harbor I would think how awesome it would be to have a job working here. What's the most exciting part of your job? That view! And all the people you get to work with from the Harbor Traffic Controllers to Harbor Police and the boat Captains and Pilots
During the COVID pandemic, what is a valuable lesson that you learned? 2020 has been a pretty challenging year and it has Keri Klemek, Har bor reminded me to never take Traffic Controlle r things for granted. This pandemic and it's effects have forced me to re-prioritize what's really important. I have learned that things do have a way working out, and I am looking forward to my next chapter with DOT Harbors Division.
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Harbors Meet LaDonna Vaughn - Harbors Chief Accountant
By: Juli Chun
LaDonna Vaughn joined the Harbors Ohana as our Chief Accountant for the Fiscal Office in June 2020. She relocated to Oahu in 2017 and currently resides in Mililani. She has worked in the public sector on both State and Federal levels with the State of Colorado and the Federal Department of Energy (WAPA). She has experience working directly with financial reporting, general ledger maintenance, fixed asset management, and procurement card administration. What do you enjoy most about moving to Hawaii? Nature. The greenery is so beautiful here. What is the most interesting thing that you have learned after working a few months at Harbors? I find everything that I’ve scratched the surface
on to be quite interesting. Harbors is more complex than I could have imagined and with so many moving parts I never stop learning. Why did you choose a career in accounting?
LaDonna Vaughn, Harbors’ Chief Accoun
tant
I originally chose a career in accounting because I enjoyed working with numbers and had an eye for detail. However, upon entering my first year of college I was quickly met with the reality that accounting was much more than math calculations and balancing accounts.
After being exposed to various areas within accounting, I realized this career path would never get old. There is always something to be learned and that is the most rewarding part of my career.
Joey Kaili Joins as Harbor Enforcement Officer By: Gary Tsuzuki Please welcome our new employee Joey Kaili to the Harbor Police Unit as a Harbor Enforcement Officer II. Harbor Enforcement Officer Joey Kaili
Officer Kaili’s first day was on Oct. 5. He comes to us from the Honolulu
Police Department. He is happy and excited to be part of our unit and is looking forward to serving and protecting the DOT Harbors and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. We believe he will be an excellent addition to our unit and the Harbors Division.
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Harbors Fair Winds and Following Seas
By: Dean Watase
2014 Photo The DOT Ohana will be less one outstanding planner as of Friday, November 13, 2020. Sandra Rossetter, Planner IV at Harbors Division, has decided to begin a new chapter in her life which will include moving back to California; spending more time with family; and to discover what opportunities may present themselves in the Golden State. She began her career at Harbors Division in September 2010 and has worked on important projects such as an environmental assessment for land acquisition, an environmental impact statement regarding Hana Harbor, and providing essential support to other Harbors Division planning initiatives such as master
plans and development plans. She has also been the liaison to STP for all of Harbors Division’s HRS 343 Exemption Notices. She leaves behind many people who find her to be a pleasant and caring individual who was very giving of her personal time. Giving free Yoga lessons during her lunch hour to likeminded Harbors Division personnel was a recent example of her generosity. She will be missed. A fitting farewell message for someone who helped the maritime community in her own ways: “May you have fair winds (safe journey) and following seas (smooth journey)”.
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KAPALAMA CONTAINER TERMINAL continued from page 11
and continues to be on-schedule for completion and within budget at a cost of $174 million. Phase 1 landside construction adds 65.5 acres of container yard space to meet Oahu’s cargo demands for the foreseeable future. The new cargo yard borders the existing interisland cargo area allowing easy access between facilities for transshipment of containers, this will and reduce traffic on surrounding roadways such as Nimitz Highway by taking approximately 50,000 truckloads off the roads each year.
infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, in addition to improving our harbor system that will benefit the state for decades to come,” said Ige. The awarded contract of $352.5 million features the waterside construction at Piers 40-43 in Honolulu Harbor that will add 18.5 acres of fast-land, including 1,860 linear feet of new berthing space for two container ships to dock simultaneously and up to six (6) gantry cranes. The work also includes dredging along the waterfront and up to the federal channel and widening of the water basin between Piers 40 and 41, which will create important barge berthing space along Pier 41. This phase 2 project will address sea level rise by increasing the pier height that will match the phase 1 elevated backlands in construction. The project construction is scheduled to start in spring 2021 and is estimated for completion in the winter of 2023. The New Kapalama Container Terminal, Landside Improvements, Phase 1, designed by R.M. Towill Corp. and is also being constructed by Kiewit Infrastructure West, began January 2018
A prominent environmental feature will remove debris from stormwater runoff before it enters the receiving ocean waters. The harbor system is vital to the economic security of the state as more than 80 percent of all goods consumed by people in Hawaii are imported, and of that more than 98 percent is shipped in through the commercial harbors system. Dung Vo, HMP Development Officer and William Makanui, Project Manager for KCT have done a great job keeping KCT laser focused in both design and construction. They both are looking forward to the project construction completion almost as much as the state’s largest container carriers, Pasha and Matson are awaiting its arrival. Construction of the new Kapalama Container Terminal is financed by revenue collected from harbor user fees, not traditional taxpayer money. For more project information please visit http:// www.kctinfo.com/.
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Highways Get Involved in Transportation Planning Through Virtual Open House By: Samantha Lara
The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) is inviting Oahu residents to a virtual open house to familiarize community members with public participation opportunities for Oahu’s major surface transportation efforts. There will be three opportunities to participate in the virtual open house through Microsoft Teams. The dates and times for the virtual open houses are: • • •
Participants can join through a link or call in information available on https://www.oahumpo. org/ortp-engagement/
The purpose of the virtual open house is to provide an opportunity for community members to learn how to get involved with transportation planning and to explain the responsibilities of metropolitan planning organizations and their role.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
To sign up for future notices from OahuMPO, click here. To learn more about OahuMPO or the virtual open house, contact Samantha Lara via email at Samantha.lara@oahumpo.org or over the phone at 808-587-2015.
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Webinar: Managing Complex Emotions in a Complex World
By: Melanie Martin
If you or someone you know is having difficulty dealing with anxiety and/or stress during these uncertain times, Mental Health America of Hawaii invites you to the webinar “ Managing Complex Emotions in a Complex World: Utilizing Self-Care to Address Anxiety and Stress” on November 16, 2020 at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. While anyone may attend, the training, taught by Mestisa C. Gass, PsyD, Program Director for Mental Health America of Hawai‘i, is geared towards our essential workers. It is recommended that you get permission to attend from your supervisor. Workshop Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in reported anxiety, negatively impacting our community’s mental health. This presentation will discuss the negative effects of stress and anxiety, identify
healthy ways to keep and find balance, review warning signs to look for in mental health, and outline the resources that are available in the community for mental health and crisis interventions. Learning Objectives: • Describe the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health • Discuss the physiological and psychological effects of stress and anxiety • Identify self-care and coping skills to address anxiety • Review warning signs for mental health • Review crisis resources available to the community To register, click by clicking here.
Recipe of the Month: Kabocha for Pumpkin Pie
By: Rachel Roper
Instead of using canned pumpkin when making pumpkin pie, my favorite alternative is baked kabocha.
Once cool, scrape/cut the kabocha from the skin.
Baked kabocha: Cut kabocha into 2” squares and place in an oven safe baking dish.
Strain the meat through a sieve to reduce stringiness.
To ensure the kabocha stays moist, add enough water to the baking dish to just cover the bottom.
About 2 cups of kabocha goes into a traditional pumpkin pie—I have not tried it in other types (e.g., pumpkin crunch) but I’m sure it’ll be delicious.
Bake at 350 degrees until soft. (Typically 20-40 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the pieces). Drain water.
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Pumpkin Carving Contest Winners Announced By: Melanie Martin Halloween looked a lot different this year, but, thanks to HDOT’s Aloha United Way’s Fundraising Committee led by Melanie Martin, HDOT held a Pumpkin Carving Contest, all proceeds from which benefited Aloha United Way. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Dawn Lee Administration Division
Karen Awana Administration Division
Daverney Mahaulu Harbors Division PAGE 18
Honorable Mention
Awards
Chris Takeno Administration Division
Stacie Hiwatashi Highways Division
Steve Ortiz Airports Division
Lynn Araki-Regan Administration Division
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ARRIVALS and DEPARTURES Each month, we feature this section in our newsletter called “Arrivals and Departures,” spotlighting new employees (Arrivals) and departing/retiring employees (Departures). It is an honor to welcome the new employees and congratulate the retiring employees and wish both groups the best in their future endeavors.
ARRIVALS NAME MARK L.O. HABON TEINA R. ANTHONY JOEY W. KAILI MYKAH KURATANI
E Komo Mai! TITLE LAND BOUNDARY SURVEYOR II HARBOR AGENT II HARBOR ENFORCEMT OFCR II AIRPORT FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT II
DEPARTURES NAME GORDON M. MATSUDA PATRICK T. UYEMATSU KEVIN MURATA STEVEN K. HOSHINO NEIL M. HASHIMOTO EDWARD I. YONEDA KERRY A. YOST PAULA SASAKI AGNES O. FISHER
DIVISION/ISLAND HWY/OAHU HAR/OAHU HAR/ OAHU AIR/OAHU
DATE 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/05/20 10/16/20
Mahalo Nui Loa! TITLE DIVISION INFO TECH BAND B HAR CARPET CLEANER I AIR ENGINEERING PROG MGR HWY LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER HWY LAND BOUNDARY SURV IV HWY TRACTOR OPERATOR AIR ENGINEER V HWY PROG EVAL ANALYST ADM PLANNER IV AIR PAGE 20
ISLAND OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU
DATE 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/01/20 10/02/20 10/13/20 10/31/20
What We’re Thankful For... With the year most of us are enduring, it may be easier to loathe the challenges and struggles we’ve faced this year. We understandably can be so focused on the latest COVID-19 statistics and the uncertainty of the future, and overlook how to embrace what we have and all that the world has to offer. This Thanksgiving month is an opportune time to reflect and mahalo all we truly have to be thankful for. Let’s all join some of our HDOT coworkers who’ve shared what they’re grateful for and commit to reset our attitudes and truly appreciate all we’ve accomplished, as well as all we have been blessed with.
LISA ELLEN SMITH: “I may suffer a bit of bias, as we do here on Kauai, but each new sunrise brings the thought “Lucky we live Kauai.”
DEREK CHOW: “I am thankful
for the general stability and security in the country and the state. There are countries that do not have stability and security, making for a chaotic lifestyle and a great deal of uncertainty. Societal issues emerging today in our country are a sign of change and growth, hopefully for the better. I am also tremendously thankful for good health and fortune and for those around me.”
I’m sure that many across our state may feel the same way about their island but together, in unity we can say “Lucky we live in the pono State of Hawaii” we kina`ole together because the we practice Aloha Spirit for the health and safety of our residents and travelers who marvel at the beauty that we are blessed to see each day.”
DANIEL WILLIAMS: “I am thankful for the
opportunity to spend more time with family and to work on the ‘honey do’ list.”
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RANDALL LANDRY:
“I am thankful for my office and fellow staff + boss. They are a joy to work with and they keep a kooky vagrant like me in line.”
JONI SAVUSA: “I am thankful for God’s
love, protection and guidance. I am thankful for family, friends and co-workers practicing safety from COVID-19. I am thankful for our jobs with DOT Harbors.”
CARTER LUKE: “I am grateful
for the health of family and friends, and for being able to service Hawaii’s residents through the state’s Maritime facilities, and to work with such a great DOT Ohana!”
JULI CHUN:
“My faith, family and friends fill my life with glorious abundance!”
LUKE HUTCHINSON: “I’m grateful that I have a job I can do remotely, so I can continue to work without putting myself or others in danger during these times.”
RACHEL ROPER: “During this challenging year, I am especially thankful to be back home in Hawaii--near loved ones and the ocean and mountains--and working for the HDOT.”
JONATHAN LOTT: “I am thankful to have this great job. November 6th marked my 1-year anniversary at HDOT Highways. Before this I was working in tourismdependent jobs, all wiped out by coronavirus.”
MICHAEL HOWELLS: “I’m thankful for our supervi-
sors and administration that have made it possible for us to telework so that we can help keep ourselves and our families healthy, safe and strong.”
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MELANIE MARTIN: “I am
thankful for my family, friends, and co-workers. I am especially grateful to our leadership for keeping us informed about issues impacting us during this unprecedented time.”
Lynn's Real Age: DISCOVER
YOU R
REALAGE ®
bzphawaii.sharecare.com
a
- 5.4 years younger
“Other than having to lower my cholesterol and get more sleep, my report was generally good, although I’m now inspired to increase my physical activity, eat healthier foods, and get more sleep. Hopefully, the next time around, the report will reflect an even younger adjusted age!!" -- Lynn Araki-Regan
What’s your RealAge? Register on bzphawaii.sharecare.com. Copyright © 2020 Blue Zones, LLC and Sharecare, Inc. All rights reserved.
World got you down? You are not alone Help is available Oahu: 543-8445 Toll free: (808) 994-3571 WorkLife Hawaii is an Employee Assistance Program that provides professional assistance to employees and their families. State employees and their family members get six sessions per calendar year for FREE.
National Suicide Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 Kokua life is a suicide prevention app that provides users with Hawaii resources and tools related to suicide prevention. It is designed for use by both healthcare or other professionals and the general public. If you need immediate help, call the National Suicide Hotline.
Call: 1 (800) 753-6879 or text ALOHA to 741741 Hawaii Cares, formerly the Crisis Line of Hawaii is here to connect you and your loved ones to crisis support, mental health resources and substance use treatment services. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed suicidal or if you need to discuss treatment options, call Hawaii CARES because we care.
