Scores of HGEA members across state government were honored by Gov. Josh Green for their “high caliber” of service to the public.

“Public employees continue to make extraordinary contributions that improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” Green said in a news release. “This year’s honorees exemplify that spirit and we are truly honored to work alongside such dedicated individuals and teams who are changing lives every day.”

Among the many recipients of the Governor’s Awards were Kathryn Tipton, public librarian with the Hawaii State Public Library System at Pahoa Public & School Library, who won State Manager of the Year. Marly Nakamura, corrections education supervisor with Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, won State Employee of the Year.

Art education programs, financial skills classes and a focus on early literacy skills earned Tipton her recognition, while Nakamura shines with her educational programing that helps incarcerated individuals earn their diplomas and degrees.

Everyday our members are proving that Hawaii really does work best when we do. 

Here are more of our members honored this year.

Brendan Akamu, Excluded Member, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture

Gary Bignami, Unit 6, Facilities Planner II, Department of Education

Melonie Cavaco, Unit 13, Tax Information Specialist I, Department of Taxation

Kimberly Dela Cruz, Unit 4, Stadium Supervisor, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

Bryce Fujii, Excluded Member, IT Band D, Department of Accounting and General Services

Renee Kim, Unit 2, School Food Services Manager III, Department of Education

Michelle Lauro-Demaya, Unit 3, Homestead Assistant II, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Robert Lee, Unit 13, Project Manager II, Department of Transportation

Lesley Matsumoto, Unit 13, Administrative Specialist, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Finn McCall, Unit 13, Engineer VI, Department of Land and Natural Resources

Derek Mizuno, Excluded Member, Department of Budget and Finance

Ronnie Morante, Unit 14, Deputy Sheriff II, Department of Law Enforcement

Jaquilyn Naanos, Unit 13, Labor Law Enforcement Specialist V, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Marly Nakamura, Unit 13, Corrections Education Supervisor II, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Eric Nitta, Excluded Member, Department of Human Services and Development

Carol Oshiro, Unit 8, Program Manager, University of Hawaii

Amy Read, Unit 3, Office Assistant IV, Department of Budget and Finance

Roy Suda, Unit 8, IT Manager, University of Hawaii

Jon Takaki, Unit 13, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Hawaii State Public Library System

Bobbie Teixeira, Unit 13, Environmental Health Specialist V, Department of Health

Kathryn Tipton, Unit 13, Librarian IV, Hawaii State Public Library System

Catherine Scardino, Unit 13, Support Services Supervisor III, Department of Human Services