Maui Airport Firefighter Keahi, 2015 State Employee of the Year

Steve Keahi (middle) with Gov. David Ige (right). Photo credit: George Kodama and James Dote.

Maui’s Steve Keahi, an airport firefighter with the state Department of Transportation, was honored today with the 2015 Employee of the Year award from Governor David Ige.

In an announcement today, Gov. Ige said, “Steve has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make the Kahului Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting unit one of the best in the nation. Using his resourcefulness, Steve designed and built simulated training aids for the firefighters, helping them to protect the traveling public.”

The award was one of a select few issued by the Governor 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.”

Other awards included:  State Manager of the Year, Daniel Hanagami, the Chief Special Investigator with the Department of the Attorney General; and State Team of the Year, the HIV Datat to Care Team with the state Department of Health.

“Public employees have made important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” said Gov. Ige in a press release announcement. “We are honored to work with such dedicated individuals and appreciate all they do each and every day.”

He continued saying, “Their accomplishments perpetuate the aloha spirit and make our state a special place to live and work.”

The awardees were selected from a list of 50 groups and individual nominees, and were selected by a volunteer committee.  The Governor’s Awards are issued annually under a program administered by the state Department of Human Resources Development.