LIHUE — Monika Mali was named the Transportation Security Administration Kauai Employee of the Year and Leslie Matsukawa was announced the TSA Transportation Security Officer of the Year at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Sharlene Mata, U.S. Federal
LIHUE — Monika Mali was named the Transportation Security Administration Kauai Employee of the Year and Leslie Matsukawa was announced the TSA Transportation Security Officer of the Year at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
Sharlene Mata, U.S. Federal Security director, said the annual awards ceremony recognizes the efforts and achievements of TSA personnel and Distinguished Industry Partners in the TSA mission of protecting the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
“This is the time of year for the Transportation Security Administration at Lihue Airport to honor our hardworking security officers, the staff, and our distinguished industry partners who have helped further the TSA security mission and build a stronger foundation for Lihue Airport’s security to ensure the safety of the traveling public,” Mata said.
Reinerio Calapatia received the TSA National Heroism Award.
Safety Program Excellence awards include Ryan-Fernandez and the nominee for the Field Unit Excellence, the Kauai Safety Action Team, including Robert Hansmeier, Ryan-Fernandez, Daniel Counts, Russell Furusho, Gina Ramson, Sean Shishido, Aileen Lindow and Ted Kawamura.
Stacy Lyosa and Kyle Katahira round out the Lihue Special Recognition Awards, both officers being recipients of the Practical Skills Evaluations.
Among the distinguished awards, Dennis Neves and the staff of the Lihue Airport, including Bernard Machado and the crew of the airport’s Construction & Maintenance department were honored as a TSA Distinguished Industry Partner.
Joining Neves, the United States Coast Guard, Nawiliwili station, was also acknowledged for its efforts at Nawiliwili Harbor and the waters around the island as a Distinguished Industry Partner.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
