County Department of Water Employees Honored

The Kaua‘i Board of Water Supply recently honored several employees of the county Department of Water.

The DOW recognized 11 employees, including two recipients of the department’s Employee of the Year awards, during the Water Board’s February meeting.

According to a news release, Darwin “Zoom” Bukoski and Terrilyn Amorin were announced as the 2021 Employees of the Year for demonstrating sustained excellence in their performance and dependability.

“Congratulations to Zoom and Terrilyn on this excellent achievement and to the crew members for their commitment to service,” said Water Board Chairperson Julie Simonton. “We thank you all for your hard work and significant contributions to the department.”

“He accepts the greater responsibility and goes above and beyond his job duties to keep the water flowing,” said an excerpt from Bukoski’s acknowledgement and Water Board Resolution No. 22-12. “Zoom was one of two personnel that dropped everything over the weekend and hiked through muddy terrain to replenish dwindling water disinfection chemicals and perform electro-mechanical repairs in Hanalei, Wainiha, Hā‘ena after the areas were isolated due to a landslide on Kūhi‘ō Highway.”

Amorin is described by her DOW colleagues in Water Board Resolution No. 22-13 as a “dependable and reliable employee that always goes above and beyond in assisting both billing and accounting sections and other divisions when needed.” She has also spearheaded the Department’s annual participation in the Kaua‘i United Way fundraiser, food drive collections and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.

“Our employees continuously perform above and beyond their job duties to provide dependable service for customers from Kekaha to Hā‘ena,” said DOW Manager and Chief Engineer Joe Tait. “It is my pleasure to congratulate these employees for their diligent efforts put forth every day serving customers and their teammates.”

DOW’s Kreig Medeiros, Darren Horner, Ryan Fu, Stetson Raposas, Reid Samio, Jeffrey Silva and Michael Mack, alongside Water Service Supervisor Chris Nakamura and Field Operations Superintendent Virgil Kapanui, were also acknowledged in appreciation for their teamwork, performance and dedication to the department and to communities they serve.

According to the news release, the crewmembers demonstrate teamwork by completing timely repairs and maintenance to water mains and service laterals, conducting upgrades to cross-country lines, installing fire hydrants, valve maintenance, clay valve piping, performing traffic control and more.

Pipefitter leads Silva and Mack were also highlighted for their safety, wisdom, knowledge and guidance for their crews.

“We received many compliments from residents commending these crew members for their excellent service and team efforts therefore, it is an honor to recognize them today,” Tait said. “They work in many uncertain situations, including long hours and hazardous weather, to keep water service on. I would also like to thank their families for their understanding of the time spent away from them, sometimes not knowing what time they will come home.”