Salutes

Advertiser Staff

Judiciary hands out awards

State Judiciary employee Elberta Usui was presented the department's Distinguished Service Award by Chief Justice Ronald Moon during a recent ceremony in the Hawai'i Supreme Court courtroom.

Usui received the highest award of the Judiciary's Employee Incentive Awards Program. Usui, who works in the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, First Judicial Circuit, was recognized for many accomplishments, including implementing and overseeing a state-of-the-art computer system, which converted the processing of juvenile cases from a manual system.

The department also gave out several other awards.

The Meritorius Service Award honors individuals and groups who have maintained a high level of excellence on the job and have improved the efficiency and operations of the Judiciary.

Individuals receiving this award were: Corinne Miyazu, Probation Services, District Court of the Third Judicial Circuit (Hawai'i); Rockne Maunupau, Juvenile Detention and Shelter Services Branch, First Judicial Circuit; Iris Murayama, Office of the Deputy Chief Court Administrator, First Judicial Circuit; and Barbara Tomita, Recruitment and Examination Branch, Human Resources, Support Services Division, Office of the Administrative Director.

In the group category, recipients were the Driver Education Division, Fifth Judicial Circuit (Kaua'i); and Restitution Recovery Enhancement Project, First Judicial Circuit.

Spirit of the Judiciary Awards recognize employees who convey a helpful, courteous attitude and a positive image of the Judiciary. This year's recipients were Amy Donlin, Office of the Chief Court Administrator, First Judicial Circuit; Kathryn Nishiki, Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office of the Administrative Director; Wanda Shimizu, Traffic Violations Bureau, Fifth Judicial Circuit; and Susan Vidad, Staff Attorney's Office, Office of the Administrative Director.

Certificates of Commendation were presented for superior performance. Individual recipients were Pamela Martin, Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office of the Administrative Director; and Dorothy Morioka, Documents Section, Second Judicial Circuit (Maui).

Students part of Europe tour

Five Hawai'i students participated in a 25-day concert tour of Europe this summer.

Heidi Shimada of St. Andrew's Priory, Kimo Helekahi Jr. of Hana, Azusa Hirao of Waikoloa, Andrea Hofmann of Kahului and Julianne Hiu of Moanalua High School participated in the Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus.

The national organization toured Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Luxembourg.