Honors for 2
UH-Manoa employees
Two Big Island employees of the University of Hawaii-Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources have received Manoa Chancellor Peter Englert's Outstanding Service award for 2003.
They are Gaillane Maehira, who maintains grounds at the 30-acre experimental farm next to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Patricia McComber, environmental and public health educator for the agriculture college on the Big Island.
Englert said both employees were highly praised by their colleagues.
"They are wonderful representatives of the fine UH work force that serves the people of Hawaii all over the state, and I am pleased to be able to recognize their good work."
Maehira maintains grounds at the research station, which includes 26,000 square feet of greenhouse space, as well as handling plumbing, electrical, welding, mechanical and agricultural needs to keep the farm running.
He has constructed nine demonstration solarization units and supervised construction of greenhouses at his research station and at the Komohana agriculture complex in Hilo.
McComber has done extensive research on the construction and use of water catchment systems -- the primary water source for 60,000 residents in remote parts of Hawaii County.
She has published a book on rainwater catchment systems and developed bacteria test kits distributed on the island through state and federal public health agencies.
Andrew Hashimoto, dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, said the two "exemplify the dedicated and conscientious employees" of the college.
"Their actions are indicative of our goals to revitalize the economy, protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems and strengthen Hawaii's communities."
Maehira and McComber will each receive a $1,000 award and certificates of recognition.
They are automatically nominated for the 2003 Governor's Award for Distinguished State Service to be announced in October.