OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNIZED AT DLNR 2026 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNIZED AT DLNR 2026 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

HONOLULU – Employees of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) who distinguished themselves through exceptional service to communities throughout the state were celebrated today at the agency’s annual Incentive Service Awards Ceremony. Recipients of this year’s individual and team awards are:

Sustained Superior Performance Awards:

Troy Sakihara, Aquatic Biologist IV, Division of Aquatic Resources, East Hawaiʻi District (Hilo).

Since joining the Division of Aquatic Resources in 2015, Sakihara has made valuable contributions in stream and estuarine fisheries monitoring, anchialine pool ecosystems, invasive species management, habitat protection and applying research that directly informs resource management decisions on Hawaiʻi Island. He was acknowledged for consistently approaching every task with diligence and integrity. His work has elevated the Division of Aquatic Resources’ level of service to the community and helped advance its mission to manage, conserve and restore Hawaiʻi’s aquatic resources for present and future generations.

Jeremiah Aguilera, Kauaʻi District Manager, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Aguilera was nominated for this year’s award by several members of his staff for the positive and productive work environment the team has created.

Kathy Yoda, Hydrologic Research Technician II, Commission on Water Resource Management.

Yoda’s capabilities, dedication and strong work ethic provide branch staff with the support they need for the highly technical and demanding work of the Commission on Water Resource Management. She was instrumental in the Commission’s transition from paper to digital, helping move meeting agendas, submittals, minutes and the statutorily required monthly Water Resource Bulletin online – a change that saves hundreds of dollars each month in mailing costs. Her years of dedicated service and unwavering support have made her an invaluable part of the branch and its success.

DLNR Employee of the Year Award:

Joshua Atwood, Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Atwood was recognized for the recent success of the annual statewide outreach campaigns he led, such as the “Year of Our Community Forests” and “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana,” which highlight conservation efforts and projects while bringing communities together. During his years with DLNR, he has developed a comprehensive communications strategy for staff and has enhanced the ways important public information is shared. His innovative approaches to communicating DLNR’s mission and informing the public about protecting Hawaiʻi’s native species include the creation of DLNR’s nēnē mascot, “Pono” and expansion of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s presence online.

DLNR Manager of the Year Award:

Susan Lebo, Ph.D., Archaeology Branch Chief, State Historic Preservation Division.

Lebo was recognized for her dedication to protecting Hawaiʻi’s cultural resources and historic sites, helping to preserve them for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. Through her leadership, the State Historic Preservation Division has streamlined daily operations, increased efficiency and improved project turnaround times. Lebo has made significant contributions to the Lahaina recovery efforts, ensuring that reconstruction is both efficient and respectful of Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural resources, as well as iwi kūpuna. She has been instrumental in improving the division’s best practices and fostering strong relationships that have strengthened historic preservation efforts in the islands.

DLNR Team of the Year Award:

The Restorative Aquaculture Team, Division of Aquatic Resources, Oʻahu:

Anthony Mau, Aquatic Biologist VI; Christina Jayne, Aquatic Biologist V; David Cohen, Urchin Hatchery Manager; Keelee Martin, Aquaculture Specialist.

The Restorative Aquaculture Team of the Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center has played an integral role in preserving Hawaiʻi’s native species and marine ecosystems through its work at the Hawaiian Coral Reef Laboratory, the Rare Coral Biorepository, and the Sea Urchin Biocontrol Program. Through these innovative efforts, the team has reduced invasive algae in Kāneʻohe Bay to less than five percent, helping to restore the health and resilience of its coral reef ecosystem. The team’s dedication to using aquaculture to restore and enhance Hawaiʻi’s shorelines and reefs has made a lasting impact on the state’s natural resources. Each team member’s commitment, innovation, and passion exemplify some of the highest standards of public service.