September 2020
Dept. of Transportation Monthly Newsletter
Connecting the DOTs... Remembering Former DOT Director Dr. Fujio Matsuda
By: Brandon Hee
Dr. Fujio Matsuda recently passed away. He was our Director of HDOT in 1963 through 1973.
I thanked him for that compliment, as it was only since 2014 that I started studying philosophy.
I met him at Moiliili Hongwanji when I was a guest speaker on October 8, 2017.
After the initial meeting, I would see Dr. Matsuda at other Hongwanji events, and I would say hi to him, and he would always then ask who I am, and I would reply that I am the one that talked about how Star Wars
Dr. Matsuda came up to me after the service to talk. He said, “I hear you work at HDOT. Do you know who I am?” I said, “Sorry, no, I do not.” He said, “I was the Director of HDOT, but you may have not been born at the time. When were you born?” I said, “1969.” He said, “Well, you should know I was the President of UH from 1974 to 1984.” I said that was also before I went to UH and was not aware of what happened before I went to UH. Dr. Matsuda told me that I am more of a philosopher than an engineer.
relates to Buddhism.
He would then say, “Oh yes, the philosopher.” I would just smile back. I wanted him to hear my first Dharma message presented in 2015 talking about the movie “The Last Samurai,” but never got him to critique it. I miss this man who is so likable, approachable, decent, and honorable. He would have made a good president of our See MATSUDA on page 2
Table of Contents Remembering Dr. Fujio Matsuda...........1 Director’s Message .....................................3 Administration ............................................ 8 Airports .........................................................11 Harbors .........................................................12 Highways .................................................... 14 Ways to Boost Your Immunity............. 15 Arrivals & Departures .............................17
CONNECTING THE DOTs Editor-in-Chief: Lynn Araki-Regan
Managing Editor: Rae Nguyen Copy Editor: Juli Chun Art Director: Frank Uratani Column Writers: Darren Cantrill Rey Domingo Melanie Martin
Contributors: Jade Butay Kyle Gregg Brandon Hee Ross Higashi Alan Hilton Duane Kim Shelly Kunishige Gary Moniz Pradip Pant David Rodriguez
©2020 Connecting the DOTs. All rights reserved. Interested in submitting for next month’s newsletter? Send your articles and high resolution photos to lynn. araki-regan@hawaii.gov.
MATSUDA continued from page 1
country, and he is definitely a good role model. I wish I could have known him earlier. Perhaps, he could have given me more Mr. Miyagi-type advice. Ironically, the other person I held in high regards was also a structural engineering professor, and his name was Arthur Chiu. I miss our conversations over lunch talking about engineering and philosophy. PAGE 2
Message from our Director Aloha HDOT ‘Ohana, September is National Preparedness Month. At the HDOT, this is a good opportunity to remind employees and their families to prepare for emergencies and disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods. Today, we have another emergency to deal with. Are you prepared in case you or a member of your family receives a positive COVID-19 test result? Do you know what actions you need to take? Gov. Ige and the county mayors continue to act to bring down the COVID-19 curve. You can find guidance and the latest orders at: Kaua’i County: kauai.gov/COVID-19 City and County of Honolulu: oneoahu.org Maui County: mauinuistrong.net/ Hawai’i County: coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/ On Oahu, we are currently operating under the second Stay at Home order from Mayor Kirk Caldwell that became effective August 27. Thankfully, we prepared by continuing many of our essential functions remotely. Now, 472 of our 2,221 employees are teleworking at least one day a week. As our department is responsible for the operations and upkeep of the state’s critical transportation infrastructure, it is important to keep these facilities open and operating. Please continue to be vigilant in your social distancing and hygiene. If you need supplies to be safe on the job, let your supervisor know. COVID-19 continues to impact the islands heavily and has claimed 86 of our community members to date. We will continue to adjust to life with COVID-19 while fulfilling our obligations to the people of Hawaii. Please know that I and the Governor’s administration appreciate everything you do during this terribly challenging period for the department and the State. Mahalo for reading and for all you do! Jade Butay Director
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Administration
Hawaii Invasive Species Council Plan, Prevent and Control Encroaching Critters By: David Rodriguez
The Hawai’i Invasive Species Council (HISC) is an inter-departmental collaboration of the Departments of Transportation, Land and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Health, Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and the University of Hawai’i. Its purpose is to provide policy level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species infestations throughout the State and for preventing the introduction of other invasive species that may be potentially harmful. The HISC fulfills its mandate by issuing resolutions, providing plans, and strategically disbursing funds to enhance invasive species prevention, control, outreach, and research.
through potential pathways is a critical part of Hawaii’s invasive species management. The HDOT is primarily concerned with Albizia trees, Little Fire Ants, Africanized Bees, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles, mosquitos and Rapid ‘Ohia Death as high-risk species. Highways Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program (SNIPP) serves to protect thousands of acres of State highway rights-of-way close to ecologically sensitive areas: national parks, wildlife refuges and natural area reserves on all Islands. Albizia trees are included in the SNIPP as they are prone to sudden branch drop and grow up to 150 ft at rate of 15 ft per year.
For FY 2021 invasive species programs requested $10M and HISC awarded $5.75M to 33 projects which can be leveraged to increase additional funds through government and private partnerships.
Fallen albizia trees and limbs can block roads, and waterways causing impediments to respond to emergencies and millions of dollars of damage to infrastructure and property. Albizia removal costs highways $1 million per mile to remove 1,000 albizia trees.
The State of Hawai’i’s Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) proactive engagement in minimizing the movement of invasive species
To remove these trees in a safe and efficient manner, the HISC provided $89,000 to find natural enemies as a biocontrol method to remove these trees in a
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See INVASIVE SPECIES page 16
Administration 15 Unwritten Rules of Email We use email every day to communicate with our co-workers, family, friends, and sometimes complete strangers.
8. Be cautious with your use of humor! 9. Skip the slang. Choke, Junk, and Da Kine can mean many things to different people. Shoots!
There are some nuances to email that seem obvious, but I thought I would share some of the unwritten rules of email that I’ve developed over the years.
10. When something is important, bold it. But, don’t overuse bold in your emails. 11. Always double check that you attached the right file to your email. I don’t know how many times I’ve done this.
I’m hoping that this list will help us all better send and respond to email. 1. Your subject line should always be descriptive.
12. Don’t use emojis. Leave those smiling icons for text messages.
2. Use “Reply All” with caution. No one likes that person who clogs the whole department’s inbox.
13. Protect privacy. Email is public and even if you thought you deleted it, there is always a copy somewhere.
3. Keep every email as short as you can. Be amazing and concise. 4. If you want a response from someone, don’t cc them. 5. If you do cc someone, always cc the minimum number of people necessary to get the job done. The more people on the email chain, the lower the feeling of responsibility to answer. 6. If you don’t need a response and an email is FYI only, say so. 7. Understand when to use bcc.
By: Darren Cantrill
14. Don’t be negative. Would you email your comments to your Grandma? 15. Always remember to proofread. I notice my best proofreading occurs after I send the email. I’m hoping that these 15 rules will help everyone in using email professionally and will help you from making some of the same mistakes I’ve made throughout my career. Aurite!
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Administration
Hawai‘i Receives FTA Discretionary Grant to Purchase Hybrid Buses By: Pradip Pant 100% renewable energy goal by 2035.
Federal public transportation law authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to make competitive grants for buses and bus facilities.
In the short term, the County of Hawai’i is using the federal aid to purchase three 40' to 45' diesel buses which will add to the existing fleet to reach the County's goal of 55 vehicles on their inventory.
FTA announced the allocation of $463,848,929 to projects under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. The Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT), on behalf and in coordination with the Counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui transit agencies, applied for the competitive grant and was awarded $9,596,669. HDOT received one of the higher awards amongst all applicants of the FY 2020 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. The discretionary grant will be used by the Counties of Hawai’i, Kaua’i, and Maui for the purchase of 7 hybrid buses as a bridge to their
Hawai’i County is also using the grant for environmental studies, site analysis, and preliminary design of a new secondary baseyard in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island to better serve the local community. The Hilo Baseyard is approximately 100 miles away on the east side of the island, and Hilo and Kona are separated by two steep mountains. The Kailua-Kona baseyard will not only provide for better maintenance and convenience but also feature supporting renewable energy infrastructure.
Forwarding Calls from Your Work Phone
By: Darren Cantrill
For those teleworking from home, you can forward your work calls to an offsite number.
to include the area code. Hang up and test by calling your work number to see if it forwards
To activate: Lift handset, dial * 78 Type in the number you want to receive calls on (ex: 9,xxxxxxx) Note: If going to a cell phone, you might have
To deactivate: Lift handset, dial # 78 Hang up Easy! Don’t forget to check out the Workstation Wellness regarding working from home by Melanie Martin.
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Administration
Individual Hand Sanitizer Supply for DOT Admin Employees’ Use in the Workplace
By: Alan Hilton
With the help of the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), Admin Division recently implemented a pilot project in mid-August to acquire and distribute a supply of 8-oz hand sanitizer bottles for every employee in the Division, to keep and use in accord with the standard precautions we’re all taking against COVID-19 spread, and for improved hygiene and personal protection in the workplace. Since the start of the pandemic, HIEMA has been working with FEMA and other agencies and organizations to secure a steady stream of personal protection equipment (PPE) and cleaning/sanitation supplies on inbound shipments to the islands, to keep local inventory of these important supplies for our fight against COVID-19 well-stocked, and available as needed. Early on, one issue that interrupted the commercial supply and broad availability of personal-sized hand sanitizer products in the market was a lack of adequate industrial production capacity, not of the chemical hand sanitizer solutions, but rather the small plastic dispensing containers, when worldwide demand quickly outstripped retail supply. Manufacturers have slowly ramped up production to increase availability of the small
plastic containers, but market demand remains strong. By working with their partners, HIEMA was able to secure a steady bulk supply of hand sanitizer solution effective against coronavirus (>70% isopropyl alcohol) being shipped to the islands in 5-gallon buckets, and large pallet-sized (330-gallon) totes. This supply of sanitizing solution was made possible by donations from Exxon-Mobil Corp., out of their chemical manufacturing facility located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. HIEMA has also secured a large stock of empty 8-oz plastic containers with dispensing cap, for the idea that these containers could be filled and re-filled many times, to support a widely distributed local supply for personal use. DOT/ Admin Division requested and received an initial bulk supply of liquid sanitizer (three 5-gallon buckets), and 9-dozen empty 8-oz. containers from HIEMA. With other equipment and supplies procured locally, BUS office got started on the project. The BUS Print Shop designed and produced custom labels for the small containers, which were all filled and labeled onsite at Ali’i’aimoku Hale (Punchbowl Bldg.), and then made available for Admin Division offices and employees pick up and distribute. All the bottles are marked “DO NOT DISCARD” because
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See PPE on page 10
Administration
Admin Employees Commended for Contacting Quarantining Residents Since April
By: Lynn Araki-Regan
Mother Teresa once said, “Together, we can do great things.” We are grateful that, together, employees from Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Administration Division, went over and beyond their job duties over the past 4 months to do great things. Two dozen employees from the administration division of HDOT, along with one employee from the Dept. of Agriculture, received training from staff from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau and immediately thereafter made calls and texted residents who were subjected to the 14-day quarantine. Understanding the importance of keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, they, including Director Jade Butay, made calls, answered incoming calls, and sent texts -- even during most evenings and weekends.
Melanie Martin
Juli Chun
Neither Martin nor cocoordinator Juli Chun expected how much time and effort this assignnment would consume until they were well into the “thick of things.” The team was challenged by the ever-changing rules and the sheer volume of returning residents; yet, they persevered without complaint and much challenge. Since the team started on April 13, 2020 until its mission concluded due to the state launching its new all-digital platform, rough estimates of their contacts are as follows:
Natasha Torres
Jazelle Aolahiko
# of Residents Successfully Contacted: 44,861 # of Escalations to Law Enforcement: 158 Mahalo to the following employees for making the resident contacting mission a success:
Karen Awana
“We saw the various needs arise in our communities and we stepped up to the plate to help,” said Melanie Martin, coordinator of the resident calling mission.
Melanie Martin, Co-Chair Juli Chun, Co-Chair Hanna Edwards Ryan Aguilar Jazelle Aolahiko Lynn Araki-Regan Karen Awana
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See RESIDENT CALLERS on page 9
Administration
RESIDENT CALLERS continued from page 8
Jade Butay Craig Dela Cruz Donna Honda Candi Jefferson Debbie Kuwaye Dawn Lee David Rodriguez Janelle Saneishi Natasha Torres Patricia Wong
Darren Cantrill Hanna Edwards Grace Ichikawa Shelly Kunishige Randall Landry Curtis Motoyama Michelle Saito Paula Sasaki Zachariah Wadsack
Candi Jefferson
David Rodriguez
Debbie Kuwaye
Donna Honda
“I am proud of and inspired by our team’s commitment and dedication to ensuring that our returning residents were in compliance,” said Butay.
Shelly Kunishige Randall Landry
Darren Cantrill
Lynn Araki-Regan
Zachariah Wadsack
Jade Butay PAGE 9
Grace Ichikawa
Curtis Motoyama
Administration Workstation Wellness: Work From Home Edition Are you working from home? While the commute may 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
By: Melanie Martin
to increased risk of repetitive motion disorders, poor posture, eyestrain, and perhaps most dangerous—a sedentary lifestyle. Learn how to stay healthy while working from home. Note: Work From Office Edition workshop also available. Please message me if you are interested and if there is enough interest, I will arrange it. Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020 Time: 12 noon to 1 pm Place: WebEx – link to be sent upon registering at signup.com/go/cysHRkh.
PPE continued from page 7
once empty, they can be taken to the security guard in Punchbowl Bldg. lobby, where they can be refilled via hand pump from one of the 5-gallon containers. The security guard has already refilled several bottles for employees, and one of the 5-gallon containers has likewise been refilled from one of the large totes set up at the HIEMA central warehouse facility in Diamond Head crater, and returned to storage at the Punchbowl Building. With this project now started, and with ongoing HIEMA support, these bottles are meant to provide an “endless supply” for the use of individual employees in the workplace, for the duration of the pandemic. PAGE 10
Airports Recent Improvements at Airports Statewide
By: Ross Higashi
Airport Division is killing germs and staying healthy during this pandemic. Employees have been diligently working to clean and sanitize high touch point areas like handrails, elevator buttons, restrooms, and seating areas throughout the day. More than 250 hand sanitizing dispensers and plexiglass sneeze guards have been added around the airports. With airline passenger traffic volume at a historic low, the Airports Division has also taken the time to increase its maintenance and repair of airport facilities statewide. Floors have been buffed and waxed, ceilings and equipment repaired, sidewalks pressure washed, landscape areas refreshed, roadways and taxiways repaved and striping repainted, airfield signs replaced. The airports are the cleanest they have ever been to help keep the public and employees safe!
Aviation Quote of the Month:
“This isn’t flying. This is falling with style!”
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! PAGE 11
Harbors The Importance of Being Prepared to Respond to Incidents Similar to Hurricane Laura By: Gary Moniz Lake Charles, Louisiana is not a lake in its true sense, but a congested residential, business and industrial area. Lake Charles is about 30 miles inland from the sea coast and Cameron, Louisiana the hurricane’s landfall center. To think that the storm surge may approach 20 feet in some areas and moving 40 miles or so inland is staggering. Media reports indicate that many structures, roads, and utilities have already been damaged, some even destroyed. Scientist predict that the Central Pacific will experience a near average number of hurricanes this season. What remains unknown is if one or more of these anticipated hurricanes will intensify and make a direct hit on Hawai’i. We are still in the middle of our 2020 Hurricane season and is important to remain prepared and ready to respond to a possible devastating storm like Hurricane Laura. Please remember Hurricane Iniki, 1992 and the impacts that this hurricane caused Hawaii even though the entire island chain was not directly in the path of the eye. Hurricane Iniki attained tropical storm status on September 8, 1992 and further intensified into a hurricane the next day. After turning north, Iniki struck the island of Kauaʻi on September 11 at peak intensity; it had winds of 145 mph and reached Category 4 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. It had recorded wind gusts of 225 as evidenced by an anemometer that was found blown into the forest during clean up. It was the first hurricane to hit the state since Hurricane Iwa in the 1982 season, and the first
From various media
major hurricane since Hurricane Dot in 1959. Iniki dissipated on September 13 about halfway between Hawaii and Alaska. Iniki caused around $3.1 billion (1992 USD) in damage and six deaths, making it the costliest natural disaster on record in the state, and the second-costliest Pacific hurricane on record. At the time, Iniki was among the costliest United States hurricanes. The storm struck just 18 days after Hurricane Andrew, the costliest tropical cyclone ever at the time, struck Florida. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) failed to issue tropical cyclone warnings and watches 24 hours in advance. Despite the lack of early warning, only six deaths ensued. Damage was greatest on Kauaʻi, where the hurricane destroyed more than 1,400 houses and severely damaged more than 5,000. Though not directly in the path of the eye, Oʻahu experienced moderate damage from wind and storm surge. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency located at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema as well as the following individual County, Emergency Management Departments offer useful and important information relating to hurricanes and other disasters. I urge you to review their information products and formulate your response to what may be a major threat to you and your loved ones. 1. Honolulu County: www.honolulu.gov/dem 2. Kauai County: www.kauai.gov/kema 3. Maui County: www.mauicounty.gov/70 4. Hawaii County: www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.
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Harbors Harbors Maui District Welcomes Harbors Agent Manma By: Duane Kim
Please join us in welcoming Negus M. Manna to our DOT Harbors Ohana as our Harbors Maui District’s Harbor Agent III for Kaumalapau Harbor (Lanai). “Manna,” as he prefers to be called, joined HDOT on September 1st, and currently resides in Lanai City. He is a graduate of UH Manoa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Sustainable Studies. Manna previously worked for Pulama Lanai, the United States Coast Guard and Kirby Offshore Marine. During his 9 years in the USCG, Manna was assigned to both Station Honolulu (Oahu) and Station Maalaea (Maui) with experiences in federal law enforcement, environmental protection, emergency response and boat handling. Manna carries a USCG 100-ton Masters Merchant Mariner Credential and a Commercial Driver’s License Class B, and successfully completed training in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) program.
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Highways Highways Division Coordinates Surge Testing on H3
By: Shelly Kunishige
The City and County of Honolulu and State of Hawai’i DOT Highways Division coordinated a full closure of the H-3 Freeway between the Halawa Interchange and the Halekou Interchange o facilitate COVID-19 testing on Sept. 1 and 3. The closure of H-3 in both the Halawa bound and Kaneohe bound directions began at 7:30 a.m. and continued to 5 p.m. on both days to allow time to set up the closure. During testing hours the inside lanes of the H-3 at the Harano Tunnels were used to queue vehicles of those seeking to be tested for the COVID-19 virus. The outer lane served as access for emergency vehicles. To maximize testing
efficiency, test stations were set up on both the Kane’ohe and Halawa sides of the tunnel to service both the north and south bound directions. After testing, drivers were asked to continue on H-3 to the end of the closure, and could use alternate Ko’olau routes if necessary. “This surge testing will help us flatten the curve once more,” said Gov. David Ige. “We’re all working together for the health and safety of our whole community. Use of the H-3 will provide space to allow as many people as possible to be tested.”
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10 Ways to Boost Your Immunity to Fight COVID-19 By: Melanie Martin With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the risk of exposure has increased exponentially. Even if you are exposed, you may not get infected if your immune system is strong enough. Dr. Terry Shintani, renowned Hawaii nutritionist and family physician, gives sound advice in a YouTube video on 10 ways to boost your immune system to protect against COVID-19.
Get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. 5. Vitamin D – Vitamin D protects against viral infections and can be enhanced not just by supplements, but by moderate exposure to sunlight. 6. Vitamin C - Vitamin C reduces symptoms of common cold.
1. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and nutrients to boost your immune system.
7. Zinc – Like vitamin C, zinc also reduces symptoms of the common cold and keeps your immune system strong.
2. Avoid things that burden the immune system - Stop doing things that will weaken your immunity such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating processed foods.
8. Garlic – Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
3. Exercise – Exercise wakes up your immune system. Moderate exercise reduces the risk and severity of respiratory viral infections. But don’t overdo it! Too much exercise can compromise your immune system. 4. Sleep – Sleep positively affects your ability to ward off viral infections.
9. Elderberry – This is a dark purple berry from the elder tree. A randomized study found elderberry relieves symptoms of the common cold an average of four days earlier. 10. Ginger – Allicin, which is found in ginger, has the ability to inhibit the binding capacity of viruses. As such, it is likely to prevent influenza, respiratory viruses, and possibly COVID-19. To view this and Dr. Shintani’s other videos about COVID-19, visit youtube.com/channel/ UCHAL6LYp_00SLoBO4ai1XnQ.
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INVASIVE SPECIES continued from page 4
safe and cost-effective manner.
these beetles are known to eradicate coconut palm trees on Pacific islands.
An additional $130,000 was provided for outreach, control and eradication.
• Mosquitos are disease vectors particularly the Aedes mosquito known to spread dangerous diseases such as the zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya.
Rapid ‘Ohia Death is a new fungal pathogen. The fungus attacks and can quickly kill endemic ohia trees which comprises approximately 80% of Hawai’i’s native forests. $312,000 is provided to educate and learn more. Highways is among the various organizations that receives training on the decontamination of this destructive fungus. Airports pilot project, Mamalu Poepoe enhances monitoring of targeted harmful species of ants, bees, mosquitos, and beetles on airport facilities statewide. The HISC appropriated $40,000 to continue this project that protects our natural resources, agriculture, human health, and tourism resources. • Little Fire Ants deliver painful stings and infestations not only damage agriculture but promote other invasive aphids, white flies and scale insects. • Africanized Honey Bees are killer bees known to aggressively attack people and animals and would very difficult to control with Hawaii’s low lands and ideal climate. • Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles are a major pest of coconut palms. With no natural enemies,
Unfortunately not all of the known gaps in Hawai’i’s biosecurity at points of entry can be addressed in the scope of Mamalu Poe Poe. It is hoped that through this interagency partnership we can explore value added opportunities to further mitigate the spread of these and other potential high-risk species at points of entry found in snakes, seeds and eggs. Harbors is collaborating with multi-agencies working on marine biosecurity threats in ballast water and vessel biofouling. $86,000 was appropriated to the Division of Aquatic Resources to continue discussions to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic non-native species by reducing species movement through ballast water, biofouling, intentional import and release, and unintentional modes of marine introduction. A listing of Hawai’i invasive species can found at: dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/invasivespecies-profiles/. Should you encounter an invasive species, contact 643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST.
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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
E Komo Mai!
NAME NATHAN SCOTT SCHLUPP MATTHEW S. COEN JOHN K. FIGUEROA KAINOA ALIILOA CRUM
TITLE GENERAL LABORER II WELDER I GENERAL LABORER II GENERAL LABORER I
DEPARTURES NAME DALE C. ANDRES PRISCILLA W.K. LIGH ARNELSON SILDORA ASHLEY PIMENTAL
DIVISION HAR HAR HAR HWY
ISLAND OAHU OAHU HAWAII HAWAII
DATE 08/03/20 08/17/20 08/19/20 08/25/20
Mahalo Nui Loa! TITLE DIVISION ENGINEER III HAR ENGINEER V AIR GENERAL LABORER I AIR JANITOR II AIR
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ISLAND OAHU OAHU OAHU OAHU
DATE 08/01/20 08/01/20 08/01/20 08/21/20
Balance, Bend, and Breathe
If you’re overloaded at work and need a break, this workshop is for you. Learn easy stretches and balancing exercises you can do whether you’re working from home, office, or in the field. We’ll also guide you through a gentle chair yoga flow to help you decompress and clear your mind. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
EUTF Health Education Workshop- Live Webinar – SIGN UP TODAY 1st Session: Wednesday 9/9/2020 11:30am-12:30pm 2nd Session: Tuesday 9/22/2020 12:00-1:00pm
To register online, go to https://yl8lpcnw5p.timetap.com
1. Select your location- EUTF Health Education Workshop- Live Webinar, EUTF Balance, Bend & Breathe- HMSA Health Education Workshop as your service, then choose the preferred date and time from the calendar. 2. Complete your registration with your name and email. Add your cell phone number (optional) if you would like a TEXT REMINDER, and check "Send me a text reminder." Questions: Contact Heather Lauro, email heather_lauro@hmsa.com or call 808-952-7725
4010-234051 6:20 JR
September 2020 Taking Care of the Human Side of Hawaii Businesses
When Tragedy Strikes at Work
T
here are best practices for coping with tragedy in the workplace, and communication is crucial for all of them. 1) Share all appropriate information. It facilitates healing discussions among workers. 2) Don’t judge others’ reactions. There is no “correct” way of reacting to tragedy. Each person is unique, and the reasons why are complex. 3) Use your EAP resources. They can speed your way to a healthful return to your pre-tragedy emotional state. 4) Even if you feel no support is needed, consider a “check-in” that can help keep you from overlooking a reaction that later interferes with social or job functioning. 5) Because tragic events can adversely affect focus and performance, give it time, and be patient with people.
Use “Distancing” to Think Calmly Under Pressure
T
here is another kind of distancing worth knowing about: “distancing” as a job skill, and a means of functioning well under pressure. Distancing is the mental task of separating oneself emotionally from severe interactional stress (e.g., a verbally irate customer) so you maintain focus on a task. To develop the distancing skill, take a deep breath when under pressure; acknowledge the situation (“Okay, the pressure’s on. I can do this.”); challenge yourself to be calm and visualize calmness; and focus on positives and the temporary nature of the event. Employers value workers who can perform well under pressure.
Find the Answer with This Brainstorming Tool
B
rainstorming is powerful. A group of people gather to find a solution by generating ideas without filtering, qualifying, judging, or feeling embarrassed about wild ideas. This resource does the same thing—you don’t need others to use this “fast idea generator” tool. Find it at www.nesta.org.uk/toolkit/fast-idea-generator. The worksheet prompts you to think differently in order to help you create ideas to solve problems.
Keiki Solutions to Coping with COVID
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ack-to-school” means something dramatically different this fall, but coping well with changes requires discussing them as an ohana. After school, ask the kids how things are going, but expect the usual “hmm ... fine.” To identify hidden worries, like bullying or social skills gaps that are causing distress, use open-ended questions that can’t be answered with yes, no, or fine. Work on solutions together. Try brainstorming as a family unit or one on one with your keiki. You’ll be surprised at the solutions kids imagine for solving their problems, ones that fit perfectly with their circumstances.
Drug Abuse Resurgence of GHB
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amma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a colorless liquid or white powder that is often associated with the club scene and rave parties. It is an illicit drug that has had a resurgence recently. GHB can easily be placed in a beverage, and has been associated with date rape. The drug produces euphoria and memory loss, among other effects, but a drop too much can cause seizures and death. Hundreds have died after being unwittingly dosed by others. Other drugs used to facilitate sexual assault include Rohypnol and ketamine, but the most common drug used to facilitate rape is still alcohol. Source: DEA.gov [search “GHB”]
September 2020
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Benefits of Brisk Walking
“W
alk faster and live longer” is a popular health tip. Now, research seems to support it. A three-year study of 92,000 people found that those who walked briskly for seven minutes daily within a 12-minute walk had a 30% lower likelihood of death. A two-minute brisk walk within a 35-minute stroll lowered risk of early death by 21%! If you don’t have an easy exercise program, it’s likely not a problem of capability. Instead, it is a problem of motivation. Overpower your resistance by identifying something you truly enjoy, and combine it with the exercise routine—music, books on tape, or mind-blowing educational content you’ve always wanted to hear or study. Let your doctor approve any exercise program, but find one that makes an impact like this one! Research: www.nature.com [search: [s41591-020-1012-3]
Tips for Making Better Impressions at Work
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mbrace these overlooked work habits to impress company leadership: 1) Put away the smartphone before the meeting begins. You might be producing good work as you’re tapping away, but phones are also fun, leisurely browsing devices. Many managers who have to compete with your phone might assume you’re indifferent, but they may not remark on it. 2) Bring more solutions to the table along with problems you identify. This solution-oriented mindset will elevate your reputation. 3) Focus on quality in your work, rather than quantity. Make it a part of who you are, but resist the temptation to direct others in noticing it. They do. 4) Show excitement for the job, focus on the positive, be willing to tackle tough assignments, and see opportunities in disappointment.
Increase Productivity While Working from Home
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orking remotely is the new normal for many employees. This change is requiring millions of workers to adapt. However, when family time increases, so can domestic stress. Add social isolation mandates, and you have a recipe for increased bickering and family squabbles. Have you experienced this “quarantine quarreling”? Has it affected your work productivity? We’re all familiar with bickering. It’s about the small stuff: “Whose turn is it to walk the dog?” and “How come no one put the wet laundry in the dryer?” Reducing bickering begins with understanding it is normal. Feeling less guilty about it can help you focus on intervention strategies. The inevitable is fewer incidents of its occurrence, fewer interruptions of your job, and more instances of members of your family communicating healthily. Even children can learn conflict resolution skills, and all can build the resilience necessary to cope with twists and turns in how the world responds to the pandemic. To these ends: 1) Have regular family meetings to discuss the need for a private, quiet workspace. Refresh and reinforce agreements about the rules to keep your remote workspace a productive one. 2) Take planned breaks to attend to family needs, which don’t vanish while you are working. Even 30 minutes spent attending to chores will reduce frustrations or resentments attributed to your being “always unavailable.” 3) Decide on definite work hours, if possible. It is easier to keep working after hours than to switch gears in favor of work-life balance. 4) Plan events on a family calendar so that everyone can look forward to and anchor themselves on them. This increases resilience and the ability to be more patient in the present. 5) Exercise with family members. The positive effects of exercising together are well documented in research. There is perhaps no more efficient way to accomplish three important goals at once—improving health, managing stress, and building bonds with those you love. Source: nih.gov [search “PMC4552681”]
Taking Care of the Human Side of Hawaii’s Businesses A Division of Child and Family Service
Your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (808) 543-8445 Neighbor Islands and After Hours: (800) 994-3571 www.WorkLifeHawaii.org Central Office: 1001 Bishop St., Ste. 780 Honolulu, HI 96813
Information contained herein is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health or legal professional. For further help, questions, or referral to community resources for specific problems/concerns, consult with your EA Professional. © 2011 DFA Publishing & Consulting, LLC
During the COVID-19 pandemic, taking action against influenza will be more important than ever. Influenza (flu) is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. This upcoming flu season will coincide with the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, it is especially important to do everything possible to reduce the spread of flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii Department of Health urge you to “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu.
1. Take time to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your family members. • • • • •
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but they will reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths on the health care system and conserve scarce medical resources for the care of people with COVID-19. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine by the end of October. Vaccination of high risk persons (including young children, pregnant women, persons 65 years of age and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions) is particularly important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. Many people at higher risk from flu also seem to be at higher risk from COVID-19. Do your part – flu vaccinations work to protect your health and the health of your family members and community as well. Getting vaccinated provides protection to those around you who may be at high risk of severe illness, including those who may be too young to be vaccinated and those with medical conditions who cannot be immunized.
2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. • • • • • •
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. • • •
If you are sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Flu antiviral drugs are not designed to treat COVID-19 Antiviral drugs can make flu illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. If you are at higher risk from flu and get flu symptoms, call your health care provider early so you can be treated with flu antivirals if needed.
Questions? Contact your immunization provider or the Hawaii Department of Health Immunization Branch: • •
E-mail: immunization@doh.hawaii.gov Phone: (808) 586-8332 or 1-800-933-4832 (toll-free)
