Dept. of Transportation Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Connecting the DOTs...
September - October 2021
Trick or Treat! DOT ‘Ohana Celebrate Halloween
By: Jai Cunningham
The fun doesn’t stop at work! Employees and their ‘ohana especially their cute keiki celebrated Halloween dressed in fun, silly and scary costumes. Check it out!
CONNECTING THE DOTs Editor-in-Chief: Darren Cantrill Managing Editor: Rae Nguyen Column Writers: Melanie Martin Jai Cunningham Copy Editor: Daniel Garcia
Contributors: Jade Butay Rachel Roper Michelle Saito John S. “J.D.” DeJesus Cy Duvauchelle Max Matias Dung Vo Diane Dohm Grace Ichikawa Randall Landry
A Blast from the Past
By: Rachel Roper
Thank you to Traci Lum of the Airports Division (formerly of the Statewide Transportation Planning Office) for sharing these awesome photos from the 1961 Hawaii Statewide Transportation Plan (HSTP). The HSTP is a policy document that establishes a framework for planning for the three HDOT modal divisions, Airports, Harbors, and Highways.
The University Avenue overpass, Oahu
Contents
Trick or Treat! ...................... 1 A Blast from the Past .......... 2 Director’s Message ............. 3 Administration .................... 4 Airports ................................ 7 Harbors .............................. 10 Highways ........................... 11 Carving Options ................ 13 Recipe of the Month: Halloween Cupcakes ........ 13 Arrivals ............................... 14 Departures ......................... 15
According to the 1961 HSTP, scheduled inter -island air service was introduced in 1929. The 1961 HSTP also shares that “by 1938, air travel had grown to nearly 29,000 passengers a year, representing about 17% of total inter-isla nd passenger movement.”
The Hamakua Coast Highway, Hawaii Island
Aloha Tower PAGE 2
Message from our Director By: Jade Butay
DOT Updates
Aloha HDOT ‘Ohana! As we’re nearing the end of another year in this pandemic, I’d like to thank all of you for keeping our offices and work sites safe and healthy. ICU and ventilator usage by COVID patients, one of the metrics that prompted the gathering restrictions, is down and we’re starting to see loosening of restrictions as a result. Unfortunately, this will not apply to our annual Hoolaulea. We will forego the gathering again as the announcement on indoor managed events just came out. Please be on the lookout for an announcement on a virtual event as part of our Incentive and Service Awards soon. One recent important event that would not have been possible without hard work from our staff was the dedication of the Federal Inspection Services facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
This $58.7 million facility fulfilled an agreement we made with Customs and Border Protection to recertify KOA as an international entry point. Please enjoy the pictures of the facility and dedication in this issue. This September-October issue also contains an article on former DOT Director E. Alvey Wright. Mr. Wright enjoyed his tenure at DOT so much that he commissioned a painting of Aliiaimoku Hale (our Punchbowl headquarters). Mr. Wright’s daughter-in-law, Pattye, shared his story and the painting with us. I hope you read the write up of Pattye’s visit and come by the office to see the painting the next time you’re at Punchbowl. Thank you as always for reading. Let’s continue to do our best to mask, wash, distance. Taking these measures even when vaccinated will help us stay healthy as we work to maintain, operate, and improve our state’s critical transportation infrastructure!
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Administration
Break the Stigma - Dealing with Mental Illness
By: Melanie Martin
“As people feel more and more isolated from their social networks, and face economic struggles and uncertainty…, we’ve seen an increase in struggles with mental health,” said Leiggi-Brandon. “This is the time to look for signs of family members or friends who are experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, and/or other mental health crises.”
What does professional golfer, Tadd Fujikawa, singer, Demi Lovato, NBA player Kevin Love, and former KHON2 anchor, Ron Mizutani have In common? They all publicly professed to have a form of mental illness. Perhaps you or a loved one have experienced depression or anxiety especially during the global pandemic.
Mental illness is real and it is common. We all need help from time to time, and we should not feel ashamed to ask for it. As a state employee, we have free counseling sessions through WorkLife Hawaii. Call to make an appointment to talk to a professional counselor about such issues as:
While I normally write about physical health and wellness, I’d like to instead emphasize the importance of taking care of our mental health and BREAK THE STIGMA surrounding mental illness. The experts warn that now, more than ever, we should be vigilant and watch for signs of anxiety or depression during these challenging times. “WHILE WE ARE working very hard around the pandemic, there is a mental health crisis happening,” said Sondra Leiggi-Brandon, QMC Director, Behavioral Health Services.
Within HDOT, we have lost employees to suicide during the pandemic. No one wants to talk about it, but I think we should start the conversation because this is too important to stay silent.
• • • • • •
Marriage/Family issues Stress • Depression • Anxiety Relationship Endings/Divorces Grief/Loss • Drugs and Alcohol Use Financial Stress • Adjusting to change Or other issues you might see a counselor for
To speak to a counselor, call WorkLife Hawaii. On Oahu, call (808) 543-8445. On the neighbor islands, call toll free (800) 994-3571.
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Administration Cybersecurity Awarness Month Cybersecurity Awareness Month—previously known as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month— continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.
By: Darren Cantrill What about my computer(s), tablets, any device that connects to the Internet? Check to see how many devices are connected to your WI-FI and if they belong to you!
Do you separate your connected devices from your computer network?
Why does cybersecurity matter in a home?
A good practice to have is to separate your connected devices on a different IP address range than your computer network.
How many of us have a smart assistant turning on the lights, checking our calendars and helping to automate our lives? How many have alarm systems and security companies that monitor our alarms and respond to break-ins? Ask yourself, what am I really protecting?
I will refer you to this LINK. Or search for “how to run multiple networks in your home.” With the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more of us are working from home.
Expensive electronics, jewelry, and our personal safety and protection. But what about our bank accounts and financial information?
Our home networks have become a hub for our personal information and our crucial business information as well.
It is estimated that cybercrime damage will be $6 trillion in 2021.
This bypasses the tens of thousands of dollars most businesses put in place with enterprise firewalls.
When was the last time you checked your devices? Look at all the electronic devices in your house and work backwards from the Internet. Does my Internet/Wi-Fi router have an updated firmware available?
It also leaves business data in the hands of a more vulnerable home network. Take the time now, during this cybersecurity awareness month, to check everything out BEFORE you add more devices at Christmas.
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Administration By: Randall Landry
Justice40 Initiative and Title VI
As you may or may not know, the federal government is pushing through changes focusing on equity (among other priorities).
environmental protection for all communities. Environmental justice serves as a foundational base for these new actions from President Joe Biden.
Depending on where you work in HDOT, you may have heard from me about Environmental Justice concerns or worked with partner agencies or stakeholders that have an explicit equity focus as part of their agency (for example, the City & County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency).
The White House is furthering the goals of these Executive Orders via the Justice40 initiative, which strives to deliver 40 percent of overall benefits of relevant federal investments to disadvantaged communities.
The U.S. President has implemented Executive Orders 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support For Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government, and 14008, Tackling The Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, both of which have a renewed emphasis on equal opportunity and Environmental Justice. For those who do not know, what is Environmental Justice? Environmental Justice as a policy priority stems from Executive Order 12898 titled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, issued by President Bill Clinton in 1994. This order served to focus federal attention on the environmental and human health effects of federal actions on minority and lowincome populations with the goal of achieving
This Justice40 initiative may bring policy or programmatic changes to how the U.S. DOT and its umbrella agencies (such as Federal Highways Administration, Federal Transit Administration or Federal Aviation Administration) handles grants, projects, etc., and may be of interest to you to find out more and participate to ensure your voice is heard in this process. The U.S. DOT will be holding two public meetings to discuss the Justice40 initiative from 7-8 a.m. Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 (HST). You can read more about the Justice40 initiative and register for these public meetings here. Any questions about Title VI, Environmental Justice, Language Access, or equity generally and how to better implement equity initiatives within HDOT, please call or email Randall Landry at Randall.T.Landry@Hawaii.gov at (808) 8317921.
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Airports Unveiling a Brand New Kona FIS Facility By: Jai Cunningham A blessing ceremony was given to a brand new $58.7 million U.S. Customs Border Protection’s (CBP) permanent Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) Oct. 19. Governor David Ige was present, greeting the small crowd and expressing his gratitude to see the completion of the FIS ahead of schedule and what it means to the Hawaii economy. “The FIS is more than just a new building. It fulfills one of my top priorities to establish a second Federal Inspection Service to generate jobs and income statewide,” said Ige. Both Director Jade Butay and Airports Division Deputy Director Ross Higashi were also at the blessing.
“The Hawaii Department of Transportation is tasked with keeping the vital transportation lifelines of the state operational. Part of our mission is also ensuring the resilience of our air routes,” said Butay. The new facility came in under budget. The 32,700 sq. ft. FIS took a little more than two years to complete. There is also a new 7,000 sq. ft. holdroom which will improve the international passenger experience. And with international flights expected to resume in the coming months, Kona could once again become a popular destination.
The FIS serves as a secondary destination for overseas travelers. It also builds in much needed redundancy in case any emergency arises at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
“Pre-pandemic international travel was bringing in $112 million dollars to Hawaii Island, which meant around $14 million in tax revenue,” said Higashi. The FIS is part of a deal struck with CBP back in 2016. DOT was asked to build a permanent building within five years by the end of 2021. See KONA FIS page 8 PAGE 7
Airports
Homecoming Welcome for a Brave Firefighter
By: Max Matias
It’s a homecoming fit for a hero. Pahala volunteer firefighter Lizzy Stabo is finally returning home from her treatment after a nearly two-month stay at the Straub Medical Center in Oahu. Stabo was injured in the Ka’u fires and suffered circumferential second degree burns to the lower half of her body from the navel down through her feet. Hawaii County offices of Mayor Mitch Roth and the Fire Chief Kazuo Todd have requested KOA’s ARFF support to welcome her back as she begins her long road to recovery. A water lei was performed by the ARFF trucks over Stabo’s plane when it taxied into the gate. Several government agencies greeted her and posed with shakas, wishing her a speedy recovery.
Local news coverage about Stabo can be found here.
KONA FIS continued from page 7
Prior to construction, the FIS was a huge tent away from the main terminals. Passengers had to trek to get to the medians where car rental shuttle pick ups were. The new facility will use state-of-the-art facial recognition equipment as part of the CBP Simplified Arrival Program. And it has been designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council criteria for the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Silver certification. PAGE 8
Airports Heroes Among Us: Saving a Life
By: Cy Duvauchelle
Recently, a traveler had a heart attack at the Kona airport – quick thinking by Ben Utrera of SAS and Helen Kia of Hawaiian Airlines saved this traveler’s life. Assisting Ben and Helen’s effort was Adam McMahon of Allied Security – these three were then supported by a team of Airport Firefighters. In a debrief with medical professionals reviewing the data recorded by the AED device used during this event – according to the analyst things went very well.
From left: Airport Firefighter Justin Santana, Airport Firefighter Recruit Charles Akao, Investigator Steven Chung-Hoon, Allied Universal Manager Llewellyn Fukui , LEO Adam McMahon, Ben Utrera, ADM Chauncey Wong Yuen, Airport Fire Capt. Darryl Wise and Airport Fire Lt. Bart Gunde rson
The stats shared – if you experience a heart attack similar to this case your chances for survival at the airport is 70% - if you were at the beach – your chances of survival is 10%.
Hats off, high-fives, fist bumps, double handshakes, hugs to these awesome human beings. KHON also covered the story. Click here to read their article.
In Case You Missed It...
By: Jai Cunningham
The parachutes will continue to open above the Dillingham Airfield (also known as Kawaihapai) until at least July 5, 2024 after the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) revoked its intent to terminate the lease for the airfield. HDOT continues discussions with the U.S. Army and airfield tenant and all involved were happy with the news in late September. Members from the HDOT, U.S. Army, Congress, Executive Office, Legislature, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA), tenants and community members have been meeting every
few weeks for the past nine months as a collaborative effort to help save the airfield. Stay tuned!
PAGE 9
BOZA BARHarbors RUN CHAnnual TOR36th Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run
By: John S. “J.D.” DeJesus
State DOT Harbor Police is proud to continue its support for the Hawaii’s Special Olympics and our partner Law Enforcement agencies as we (Harbor Police) once again will be participating in this year’s 36th Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run (2021) set on Saturday December 04, 2021.
Special Olympics Hawaii was established in 1968 as a non-profit organization to provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and fosters increased understanding and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the community. We (Harbor Police) would like everyone from DOT to show your support for this wonderful opportunity to help our boys and girls of Special Olympics Hawaii. For those interested in purchasing a shirt or donate, contact JD DeJesus at John.S.DeJesus@ Hawaii.gov or call (808) 587-2009.
tes is the Month to Rock the Pink! wai`i athle October fieldBy:! Jai Cunningham October was breast cancer awareness month.
021 Torch Run Shirt
And the ladies who work at the Harbors Office in Honolulu, certainly know how to rock the pink and the joinedsold in as well, just check out the shirts 100guys Every photos!
earns a spot in the Run! TheTorch team says it was a last-minute
event planned to go down in the Harbors Administration Building to s Hawai`i Olympic Special support breast cancer survivors and Games ck Comeba anyone who may be battling the disease.
Saturday, December 4 2021 Patsy T. Mink The important messagePark coming out of Oahu Regional Central
October, please make sure to get regular breast exams and mammograms. PAGE 10
Harbors Welcome to the Harbors ‘Ohana Maria Rivera!
By: Dung Vo
I’m happy to let you know that Maria Rivera is our new Harbors Engineering Secretary beginning October 4, 2021.
Prior to joining the state, she worked for fifteen years at Maui Divers Jewelry.
She was previously Secretary in the Accounting Division at DAGS for one and a half years, which was also her first position in the state.
She is excited to join Harbors and looks forward to working with everyone.
In her spare time, Maria enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.
Highways
Gifted Painting of HDOT Highways Displayed in Executive Offices
By: Jai Cunningham
Pattye Wright knew this was the best place for a beautiful painting done by famed Hawaii artist Peter Hayward to hang. It’s the place her father-in-law served as the Hawaii Department of Transportation Director from 1973 until 1977. The painting had been given to E. Alvey Wright years ago, and when he passed away his daughter-in-law wanted it to be shown in the building that was the subject of the painting, Aliiaimoku Hale. It took a few years to happen, but thanks to Ms. Wright’s son Jeffrey Layfield it became a reality on October 22nd when they donated it to Director Jade Butay.
We were able to snap a few pictures that day under the picture of Mr. Wright who hangs on the top row of the former directors of HDOT. So, if you are downtown and get a chance stop by 869 Punchbowl Street and check out the beautiful artwork.
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Highways Participate in Online Survey on State Highway Needs By: Diane Dohm and Rachel Roper Share your thoughts with the Highways Division! The Planning Branch has developed an online survey to help us better understand the bicycling needs, priorities, and challenges in Hawaii. It will take about 5 minutes to complete. Starting in early November through the end of December you can find the survey here. This survey is part of the Bike Plan Hawaii refresh. This effort began in 2020 to refresh the data, cost estimates, feasibility, and prioritization for all HDOT Highways Division proposed projects in the 2003 Bike Plan Hawaii.
The primary outcome of the Bike Plan Hawaii Refresh is to ensure up to date cost and project delivery information for these proposed projects, understand current bicycle facility needs and priorities, and identify priority and highly feasible proposed projects for implementation. Priorities are being determined according to criteria related to safety, connectivity (e.g., gaps in system), accessibility (e.g., locations where people need to bike to), equity, feasibility, and stakeholder input (this includes the survey results). To view the existing and proposed bicycle facility list from Bike Plan Hawaii, visit our StoryMap. For more information, please visit the HDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program web page here or contact HDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Diane Dohm at Diane.A.Dohm@ Hawaii.gov or call (808) 587-6357.
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An Alternative to Pumpkin Carving By: Rachel Roper
Before the pandemic, my family held a pumpkin carving party each Halloween.
I love carving pumpkins, but pumpkins aren’t the only thing you can carve. Growing up on the sugar plantations of Papaikou on the Big Island, my grandma’s tradition was carving a papaya. It is definitely easier and faster than carving a pumpkin—they are smaller, their skin is not nearly as tough, and the seeds much easier to scoop out!
By: Rachel Roper
Yummy Halloween Cupcakes
Inspired by the Good Housekeeping Magazine, I made mummy and pumpkin cupcakes for a Halloween celebration a few years ago.
yellow to make a slight grey.
It’s pretty simple: Start by making your favorite cupcake recipe.
Make sure the cupcakes are cooled! For the pumpkins, use a spoon, butter knife, or frosting spatula to frost the tops of the cupcakes.
To eat healthier, I have gradually been lessening the sugar (a ¼ to ½ cup at a time) of all the sweet treats I bake over the past many years. I try not to use more than 1/3 part sugar for every 1 part flour. That’s still A LOT of added sugar. You’ll want to fill the cupcake cups more for the pumpkins (to get the round dome) than the mummies. Next, make your favorite icing recipe. I like cream cheese frosting. Divide the frosting into 2 parts. Add yellow and red food coloring to one to get an orange to your liking. Muddy the other frosting with blue, red, and
Top off with orange sprinkles and a green gummy candy cut to the size of a “stem.” For the mummies, use a flat frosting tip or cut a small hole in a plastic bag and frost the cupcakes making zig zagging lines. Before finishing, add eyes, and add a little more frosting being careful not to fully cover the eyes.
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ARRIVALS “Arrivals and Departures” spotlights new employees and and congratulates retiring employees. DOT wishes both
ARRIVALS
NAME
Christine Ng Jill Izuno Jodi Lynn Anderson DreanaLee Kalili Noland Davis Romance Sowad Jr. Jack Tano Patric Dumalan Rosaline Rodrigues Kaitlyn Slade Bronson Paradis Tracy Waialae Alex Comboy Stephen Inks Hiroko Fukui Jeffrey Hottendorf Grace Garrido Kumi De Guzman Sione-Sosaia Liufau Jr. Minchae Cho James Agag Maricel Ucol Paige Adams Severo Pasion Mei Albertson Kitty Cheung Shonn Kim Iokepa Kim Cinnamon Rodrigues Brown Noel Acob Brant Yamamoto
E Komo Mai!
TITLE
Program Budget Analyst III Secretary III Office Assistant III COVID Project Manager Janitor II Janitor II Engineer III General Laborer II Janitor II Engineer I Janitor II Janitor II Janitor II Janitor II HR Asst. V Asst. Airport Supt IV Janitor II Janitor II Engineering Aid I Engineer I Engineer II Janitor II Airport Operations Contr II Sign Painter Helper Program Eval. Analyst V Account Clerk III Right Of Way Agent IV Groundskeeper I Janitor II Groundskeeper I Engineer II PAGE 14
DIV/ISLE
AIR/Oahu HWY/Hawaii HWY/Oahu HWY/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWY/Oahu HAR/Oahu AIR/Hawaii HWY/Oahu AIR/Hawaii AIR/Hawaii AIR/Oahu AIR/Hawaii HWY/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HWY/Oahu HWY/Oahu HWY/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu HWY/Oahu ADMIN/Oahu HAR/Oahu HWY/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Oahu
DATE
09/01/21 09/01/21 09/01/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/20/21 09/20/21 09/22/21 09/24/21 09/27/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/04/21 10/04/21 10/04/21 10/06/21 10/11/21 10/15/21 10/18/21 10/18/21 10/18/21 10/18/21 10/18/21 10/20/21
DEPARTURES departing/retiring employees well. It is an honor to welcome new groups the best in their future endeavors.
DEPARTURES
NAME
Sakary Chep Polly Rivera Joni Savusa Ray Martinez Kyle Gregg Leandro Hooikaika Kaweo’okalani Kaikala Tanya Chang Bree Tabisula Luke Hutchinson Cheryl Bongolan Henry Koa Cathy Hiranaka Reubin Francisco Florante Estaban Richard Blomfield Carter Luke Prodencio Mentac Jr. Thomas Fielding Johnna Morita Malia Kaanoi Nelson Andres Ryan Kunselman Leimomi Cachola Leong Lim Lim,Leong Hai
TITLE
Mahalo Nui Loa!
Auditor III Painter II Business Services Supvr II Airport Optns & Mtnce Wkr I Procurement & Supply Spclt III Groundskeeper I General Laborer II Air Traffic Controller Office Assistant III Program Evaluation Analyst V Janitor II Harbor Enforcement Officer II Accountant IV Building Maintenance Worker I Maintenance Mechanic I Janitor II Engineering Program Mgr Janitor II Program Evaluation Analyst V Office Assistant III Office Assistant III Electrician Helper Engineer IV Office Assistant III Truck Driver Laborer
PAGE 15
DIV/ISLE
AIR/Oahu AIR/Oahu HAR/Oahu AIR/Molokai AIR/Oahu AIR/Kauai HAR/Oahu AIR/Maui AIR/Maui ADMIN/Oahu AIR/Oahu HAR/Maui HWY/Oahu AIR/Kauai AIR/Oahu AIR/Hawaii HAR/Oahu HAR/Oahu ADMIN/Oahu HAR/Oahu HWY/Oahu AIR/Kauai HWY/Oahu HWY/Maui HWY/Kauai
DATE
09/01/21 09/01/21 09/01/21 09/07/21 09/08/21 09/10/21 09/11/21 09/16/21 09/16/21 09/20/21 09/26/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/01/21 10/02/21 10/07/21 10/09/21 10/15/21 10/16/21 10/19/21 10/30/21
Share Your Thoughts with HDOT PRIORITIES Which HDOT “Bike Plan Hawaii” projects would you like built in the short-term? NEEDS On HDOT roads, where are there gaps in the bikeway network? Which destinations would you like to bike to? MISSING Are there additional areas or roads where you would like bikeways?
For more information, go to this web page https://highways. hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/Bicycle-Planning/v4zn-nbn4 or contact Diane Dohm at diane.a.dohm@hawaii.gov or 808-587-6357
October 2021
TH
36 ANNUAL TROY BARBOZA LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Help Special Olympics Hawai`i athletes get back on the field! Make a donation and receive a 2021 Torch Run Shirt nt Fro
k
Bac
Every 100 shirts sold earns a spot in the Torch Run!
Special Olympics Hawai`i Comeback Games Saturday, December 4 2021 Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park
