Kaua‘i judiciary employees recognized during annual statewide ceremony

Kauaʻi’s Brian Peters and Jonah Santos were honored recently with the Group Meritorious Service Award at the Hawaiiʻi State Judiciaryʻs 2024 Statewide Employee Awards Ceremony.

Peters and Santos, groundskeepers at Puʻuhonua Kaulike courthouse in Līhuʻe, were recognized for their exceptional work in maintaining and cultivating the courthouseʻs lush landscape.

In a press release from the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, 5th Circuit Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe praised Peters and Santos for the great care they take in keeping the courthouse grounds meticulously well-groomed.

“This extraordinary duo performs their duties with consistent dependability, efficiency, and detailed attention to ensure the grounds remain beautiful year-round,” she said while reading a proclamation in their honor.

“They arrive in the morning before the sun rises to perform the unseen duties of their craft, and care for every tree, bush, plant, and blade of grass in accordance with their meticulous standards of excellence.

“Their pride in public service is exhibited not only in the beautiful landscaping found at Puʻuhonua Kaulike, it is also conveyed in the warm and cheerful ways they interact with fellow employees, members of public, and visitors from outside agencies.”

The awards ceremony also featured First Circuit (Oʻahu) Deputy Chief Judge Melanie Mito May being presented with the 2024 Jurist of the Year Award by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. The award recognizes a full-time trial judge who exhibits exceptional judicial competence, evidenced by decisional quality; significant extra-judicial contributions to the administration of justice; and active participation in public service to the community at large.

The Judiciary also presented individual and group awards to employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments. The recipients of this year’s awards are:

Distinguished Service Award (the Judiciary’s highest employee award): Natalie Ragmat, Supervisor, Legal Documents Branch 2, Section 2, Honolulu District Court.

Meritorious Service Award: Terri Lynn Lum, Program Director, East Hawai’i Children’s Justice Center.

Spirit of the Judiciary Award: Katherine I. Patricio, Supervisor, Supervision Section II, Adult Client Services Branch, Second Circuit (Maui County); and Miguel Amadis, Court Operations Specialist, Office of Court Administration – Kona, 3rd Circuit (Hawaiʻi island).

Certificate of Commendation: Michal “Miki” Popadic, IT Technician, Information Technology Support Office, 3rd Circuit – Hilo.

Group Certificate of Commendation: Girls Court Program Staff, Juvenile Client Services Branch, 1st Circuit Family Court: Supervisor Valerie Lazo; Social Workers Tia Ikeno, Jeanette Choy, and Christiana Machida.