HDOA’S CREAM OF THE CROP!!!

Posted on Sep 5, 2014 in Main

Please congratulate HDOA’s Incentive and Service Award Program recipients!

HDOA EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
&
SUSTAINED SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AWARD

DEREK ARAKAKI
Noxious Weed Specialist, Plant Pest Control Branch

(From left: HDOA Chair Scott Enright, Derek Arakakai, HDOA Deputy Ken Kakesako

Derek Arakaki works in the Oahu Chemical-Mechanical Control Section of the Plant Pest Control Branch. When the invasive little fire ant (LFA) was discovered on Oahu in December 2013, Derek worked with members of the Plant Quarantine Branch to conduct surveys at island nurseries. Working with other ant specialists, Derek helped to develop and execute treatment plans for affected nurseries. When conducting surveys near nurseries, Derek detected areas adjacent to nurseries in Waimanalo that were infested and helped to coordinate surveys and treatment of that area.

At the same time that LFA was detected on Oahu, the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was also detected on Oahu and Derek was also asked to conduct chemical treatment trials on CRB larvae and adults.In addition, for years, Derek has been part of the coqui-hunting squad that is responsible for keeping Oahu from being infested. His dedication to stopping this invasive pest and others from becoming established in Hawaii has saved the state from having to spend enormous amounts of money to control these pests.

As busy as he is at work, Derek is always willing to lend a helping hand – from moving office equipment to maintaining the department courtyard.

HDOA is truly fortunate to have an employee who cares so much and works so hard to keep Hawaii a good place to live for his family and friends.

HDOA TEAM OF THE YEAR

AQUACULTURE AND LIVESTOCK SUPPORT SERVICES
Manager – TODD LOW
Economic Development Specialist – LIZ XU

(From left: Todd Low, Liz XU, Chair Scott Enright)

The Aquaculture and Livestock Support Services office received a competitive grant of $75,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and held the first Hawaii Aquaponic Products Conference in 2013. About 50 buyers attended the conference which provided education on the sustainability of aquaponic farming.

Other projects that the team has worked on include:

Aquaponics Acre – A project that demonstrates aquaponic farming that uses 80% less water than terrestrial farming.
Introduced new technologies such as biofloc and super-intensive shrimp farming methods.
Conducting an in-depth study of food distribution to help farmers market their products.

The team works nights, weekends and holidays to ensure the continuity of their short-term and long-term projects.

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS

10 Years (*photos below)

*Joan Kawamoto – Waiahole Irrigation
Cubby Kinjo – Plant Quarantine
*Renato Bautista – Plant Pest Control
*Darcy Oishi – Plant Quarantine
Steve Dias – Ag Resource Management Division
Zachary Tom – Animal Disease Control Branch
Abraham Kahai – Animal Quarantine Branch

20 Years

Mike Miyashiro – Plant Quarantine Branch

30 Years

Helene Okamura – Administrative Services
*Amy Takahashi – Plant Quarantine Branch

40 Years

Laura Ishii – Plant Quarantine Branch
*Gary Kumashiro – Commodities Branch

Joan Kawamoto – 10 Years

Renato Bautista – 10 Years

Darcy Oishi – 10 Years

Amy Takahashi – 30 Years

Gary Kumashiro – 40 years

Department of Agriculture