In addition, the "Leeward Homeless Shelter Project Team" with the Department of Accounting and General Services was named the State Team of the Year.

"The professionalism demonstrated by these state employees is outstanding," Lingle said. "I appreciate their dedication and their innovative ideas to help make government more efficient and to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawai'i," Lingle said.

The winners were selected from 53 group and individual nominees, which included 18 teams made up of 183 state employees.

A volunteer selection committee of five individuals from non-state government organizations reviewed the 53 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories. The committee presented its recommendations for the three awards to Lingle.

Aiona presented the awards to the winners and acknowledged the exemplary work of all the nominees in serving the public.

Manager of the Year – Walter Kawamura, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

As a result of Kawamura's insight and outstanding leadership, workers who get injured on the job are now receiving workers' compensation benefit payments sooner, overall workers' compensation costs have been reduced, and employers are paying 12 percent less in workers' compensation insurance premiums.

Kawamura has done an exceptional job by ensuring Hawai'i's workers' compensation laws are properly applied and decisions are fair and clear.

"Walter has made a major impact on the workers' compensation program," Lingle said. "His hard work in helping to carry out the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations objectives has increased the economic security and well-being of Hawai'i's workforce."

Employee of the Year – Ricky Sasaki, Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS)

The many successful projects Sasaki has managed will have a far-reaching and lasting impact on individual families and on our community.

Sasaki accepted the challenge of serving as project coordinator to build a homeless emergency shelter in Wai'anae as part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's efforts to find solutions to the homeless problem along O'ahu's Leeward Coast. Within a record seven months, under Kawamura's management, the state's Pai'olu Kaiaulu shelter opened its doors on March 1, 2007 to its first residents.

Sasaki also carefully managed the construction of the new Waipahu Intermediate School cafeteria, which provides a new, full-service, sustainable cafeteria facility that is highly functional, maintainable, energy efficient and provides a healthy environment for the school and the public. This building is the first in the Department of Education system to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification Awards from the U. S. Green Building Council.

"Ricky's 'can-do' attitude, volunteerism on projects which saved the State thousands of dollars, and untiring dedication to his job are greatly appreciated," said Lingle.

State Team of the Year – "Leeward Homeless Shelter Project Team," Department of Accounting and General Services

The Department of Accounting and General Services' Leeward Homeless Shelter Project Team was named State Team of the Year.

As part of the Administration's homeless solutions efforts, this team took quick action in building an emergency shelter for homeless families and individuals living on the beaches on O'ahu's Leeward Coast. Despite the many challenges they faced throughout the project development, the team remained focused, and Pai'olu Kaiaulu opened its doors to its first residents in a record seven months. The shelter can accommodate 300 people.

As a result of the hard work and dedication of DAGS' Leeward Homeless Shelter Project Team, Pai'olu Kaiaulu has served close to 500 people who had been living in parks and on beaches along the Leeward Coast, and has helped 113 people transition into housing. The facility currently shelters and serves 279 people, including 115 children.

"This team, under the direction of DAGS Director Russ Saito, exemplified team work at its best while working under extreme pressure," Lingle said. "They put their hearts into this project because they knew families and children were depending on them. Because of their efforts, people who previously had no place to stay now have shelter and hope as they work to rebuild their lives. This team shows how public service truly does make a difference."

Governor's 2007 Selection Committee

The volunteer members of the Governor's 2007 Selection Committee reviewed the nominations and pertinent information prior to judging. The committee is composed of of representatives from businesses of non-State government organizations. This year's members are: Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, American Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter; Howard Dicus, reporter, KGMB-TV 9; Tammy Kubo, owner, Hawai'i Pet Nanny; Charles Memminger, newspaper columnist, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; and Lois Perrin, legal director, ACLU of Hawai'i.

The Governor's Awards are designed to honor state executive branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai'i. The Department of Human Resources Development administers the statewide program. For more information, contact Wilma Iwasaki, Department of Human Resources Development, at (808) 587-1074.