Paccon summer 06 final.pmd - Honolulu District - U.S. Army

U.S. Army Corpsof EngineersHonolulu DistrictThePacificVol. 40, Nr. 3Summer 2006ConnectionRebuilding Kaumalapau BreakwaterThePacificConnection

Governor PraisesCorps’ EffortsStory and photo by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection EditorBefore a group of more than 1,500 Federal employees at the50th annual Federal Executive Board (FEB) Awards ceremony, HawaiiGovernor Linda Lingle praised the recent efforts of the Corps ofEngineers Honolulu District.Lingle stressed the importance of government agencies workingtogether to make a difference and revealed how proud she was ofthe partnership between the State of Hawaii and the Corps ofEngineers.“The Corps accomplished in a matter of months, what wouldhave taken the State years to accomplish alone,” Honorable Linglesaid to the assembled Federal employees May 2.“The Corps accomplished in a matterof months, what would have taken theState years to accomplish alone.”-- Linda Lingle, Hawaii GovernorGovernor Lingle’s commendation referred to the recentemergency State-wide dam inspections necessitated after theKaloko reservoir dam in Kauai breached March 14 causing anestimated 400 million gallons of water to speed down-slope resultingin devastating flood damage to homes, a major road and theconfirmed death of four people.Immediately following the Kaloko disaster, Honolulu EngineerDistrict provided geological reconnaissance and technicalassistance to Kauai County, State of Hawaii Department of NaturalResources (DLNR) and State of Hawaii Civil Defense.As the barrage of soaking rainstorms continued on the HawaiianIslands, Governor Lingle ordered the inspections of all reservoirsHonolulu District Electrical Engineer Clayton Sorayama withHawaii Governor Linda Lingle at the Federal Executive BoardLuncheon May 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki.and dams in Hawaii. In response, six geotechnical USACE engineersfrom the Mainland arrived to assist DLNR with “visual conditionsurvey” inspections of 54 dams on the islands of Hawaii, Maui,Molokai and Oahu. The inspections were accomplished in recordtime by April 30.The Governor singled-out the Corps partnership with the Statewhile recognizing the contributions of all Federal workers and activeduty military.Hawaii Federal Executive Board Award Winners2006 Hawaii FEB Annual Award WinnersHonolulu District employees recognizedat the FEB Award Luncheon:Steve Paahana and his wife Cissy pose at the Federal ExecutiveBoard (FEB) Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki May 2.Steve represented the District in the Federal Trades and CraftsProfessional of the Year category. Photo by Sarah H. Cox4ThePacificConnection• Louis Muzzarini, Jr, Chief, Construction Branch, FederalSupervisor of the Year;• Justin Pummell, Geographer, Technical Integration Group,Federal Technical Professional of the Year;• Misty Payne, Administrative Assistant, Design Branch,Federal Administrative Professional of the Year;• Steven Paahana, Maintenance Worker, LogisticsManagement Office, Federal Trades and Crafts Professionalof the Year;• Clayton Sorayama, Electrical Engineer, Technical SupportBranch, exceptional Community Service; and• The C-17 North Sector Project Delivery Team, FederalOrganizational Excellence

Honolulu Mayor:Story and photo by Dino W. BuchananMedia Relations SpecialistImportant Ties Link Military,Asian-Pacific HeritageHonolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemanncited the importance of Asian-PacificAmerican contributions to Hawaii and themilitary as guest speaker for the HonoluluDistrict’s Asian-Pacific Heritage Month’sMulti-Cultural Day celebration May 30.“We’re all proud of our ethnicbackgrounds and it (our ethnicity) allowsus - the city of Honolulu to reflect thediversity and celebrate that diversitywhich is really our strength,” MayorHannemann said.Mayor Hannemann, whose ethnicity isa mix of Samoan, English and German andwhose wife is Japanese-American, toldmore than 130 Honolulu Districtemployees that he was honored to speakat the Corps’ event which “trulysymbolizes the true spirit of governmentemployees during Asian-Pacific Heritagemonth.”“As an Asian-Pacific American, I amproud of our accomplishments. We’vecome a long way,” Hannemann said. “Wehave made tremendous progress in racialpride in allowing all of us to exhibit anddemonstrate our ethnicity.”The District’s annual event featuresemployee-performed multi-culturalentertainment and employee-preparedAsian-Pacific food samples. This year’stheme was “Celebrating Decades of Pride,Partnerships and Progress.”The event began with an invocation inHawaiian and English, followed by aChristian-style hula dance and a soloperformance of a Korean song.“Those amazing performances showthe greatness of the Asian-Pacific peoplein Hawaii and why I am so pleased to be apart of your event here today,” saidMayor Hannemann.With May being Military AppreciationMonth, Hannemann expressed his sincereappreciation for the efforts of the militaryand federal employees and emphasizedthat Asian-Pacific civilian employees havebeen an integral part of the military’shistory in Hawaii and was also a big partof his childhood growing up in Kalihi.“As we celebrate Asian-PacificHeritage month, may we always rememberthe sacrifices of those who came beforeus, and may we never forget that it isPaul Kim, Vecy Pascual, Flora Tangonan-Roache, Honolulu Mayor MufiHannemann and Romeo Querubin sing an Ilocano song “Ti Ayat Ti MaysaNga Ubing” at the District’s Asian Pacific Multi-Cultural Celebration May30 at Fort Shafter.incumbent upon each of us to make ourcommunities better. May we always havethat Polynesian fire burning within all ofus - burning so that our children and ourchildren’s children can have a betterfuture. And no matter what your ethnicbackground is, no matter what youreducation level, this country allows us theability to dream – dream for our children’sfuture.”While introducing Mayor Hannemann,Honolulu District Deputy CommanderMaj. Robert Kroning praised the mayor forhis efforts at “working with the Corps toimprove the quality of life for the greatpeople of Honolulu.”Honolulu District’s Special EmphasisProgram Committee (SEPC) sponsors theannual event which brings together theDistrict’s employees’ rich blend of PacificRim ethnicity. Throughout the year theSEPC promotes community relations, fundraisers and special command events forthe District. Committee members VecyPascual and Wendy Hammer coordinatedthe 2006 multi-cultural event and Pascualsaid Mayor Hannemann was a logicalchoice for the committee.“Mayor Hannemann’s takes pride inhis Asian-Pacific heritage and brings theAloha Spirit to everything he does,” saidVecy Pascual. “He’s a good speaker, plushe sings pretty good, too.”Following the mayor’s remarks and theperformance of a Japanese ballad byCorps employees, Hannemann made goodon Pascual’s comments by singing a songin tribute to his American Samoan heritageand parents plus his locally famous“Honolulu City Lights.”“We’re happy the mayor could sharehis experiences with us - and he reallydoes have a good singing voice!” saidPascual.ThePacificConnection5

Fun in the SunOrg Day 2006Honolulu District employees and their families took a breakand enjoyed a day of fun in the sun at the annualOrganization Day held at Bellows Air Force Station June 16.This year’s event featured kick ball, a craft fair, contests,door prizes and great food and fellowship.Bellows Air Force Station on the Windward side of OahKrystyn Ishikawa, daughter of Sharon Ishikawa of Civil Works PPMD,takes a lunch break.6ThePacificConnectionWith Anne Chang’s assistance, Tyler Miyamoto feeds his 16-weekold baby boy, Dylan.Taking a break from the kick ball game are: Back row:Second row: Shivaun White, Robin Au, Glen Fernandez;and Maj. Robert Kroning.

ovided a picturesque backdrop for the District’s annual event.Civil Engineer Ray Kong pitches the kick ball.n Asato, Joseph Hohaia, Darren Lazaro and Joshua Smith.nt row: Donna Kanetake, David Kam, Lt. Col. David AndersonThePacificConnection7

Doing Business With Corps Now Easier Than EverHawaii designated as a small businessHUBZone for federal contractingStory by Monica KajiSmall and Disadvantaged BusinessUtilization Specialist, Honolulu DistrictSmall businesses in Hawaii whopreviously had to compete with largebusinesses for government contracts maynow compete in acquisitions set-aside forHistorically Underutilized Business Zoneor HUBZone small businesses.This is great news for Hawaii smallbusinesses wanting to do business withthe federal government as the entire Stateof Hawaii is now classified as a HUBZone.Set-asides, especially for constructionopportunities, would increaseopportunities and contract awards forsmall business while also helping the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers’ HonoluluDistrict meet its small business goal of43% of total contracted dollars.The HUBZone EmpowermentContracting Program was enacted into lawin 1997 as part of the Small BusinessReauthorization Act. The programencourages economic development inhistorically underutilized business zones,HUBZones, by providing FederalQualifying for theHUBZone ProgramTo qualify for the HUBZone Program:• The concern must be a smallbusiness;• The concern must be owned andcontrolled by one or more US citizens;• The principal office must be locatedin a HUBZone; and• At least 35% of the concern’semployees must reside in a HUBZone.Contracting preferences to smallbusinesses with HUBZone certification.The greatest benefit of the program isthat HUBZone firms can participate inrestricted competition contracts andnegotiate sole-source contracts on alimited basis. In addition, HUBZone firmsare eligible for 10 percent price evaluationpreference when bidding against largebusinesses in full and open competitions.The Small Business AdministrationHUBZone website now shows the entireState of Hawaii is a HUBZone whereaspreviously only the islands of Kauai andHawaii and several census tracts on Oahuwere designated as HUBZones.Hawaii small business firms wantingto take advantage of preferences thegovernment offers through the HUBZoneprogram must be certified as HUBZonecontractors, but the process is relativelysimple. To apply, small business concernsmay use the electronic application directlyon the HUBZone website: http://www.sba.gov/hubzone/.Promoting Wellness: 12th Annual Safety DayStory and photo by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection EditorDistrict employees raised their levelof safety and wellness awareness at the12th Annual Honolulu District Safety DayJune 1.According to Jeff Cochran, Chief,Safety/Occupational Health, engineeringand construction is a dangerousbusiness.“Just being more aware and placingemphasis on safety helps preventaccidents,” said Cochran.“That’s one of the reasons SafetyDay is so important. Another is thereducing in-house accidents workerscompensation claims,” said Cochran.The event included safety quizzes, a3.8 mile run or 2.0 mile walk around FortShafter and classes conducted bytechnicians from Tripler Army MedicalCenter, Honolulu Fire Department and theAmerican Diabetes Association as well asthe Federal Fire Marshall.Having their blood pressure checked by nurse from Tripler Army Medical Center atthe Safety Day Clinic are: left to right: Donna Lee (seated), Cathy Paresa, LynetteOh, Jenelle Kim, Yvonne Watarai. Photo by Dino W. BuchananTopics included: Healthy Eating,Blood borne Pathogens, AutomatedDefibrillators, Ergonomics, Fitness,Personal Hurricane Awareness,Construction Safety Overview, WorkplaceFire Safety, and Diabetes Prevention.More than 280 POH/POD employeesattended the event.8ThePacificConnection

Corps, State Open Kahului Small Boat HarborStory by Joseph BonfiglioChief, Public Affairs OfficeKahului Small Boat Harbor officiallyopened June 10 as Honolulu DistrictCommander Lt. Col. David E. Andersonjoined Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle andofficials from the Hawaii Department ofLand and Natural Resources (DLNR) andMaui County to cut the ribbon for the $3.6million project in Maui.“After years of planning, design andpermitting, construction is over - missioncomplete,” Anderson said. “We’re proudto be part of the Ohana here in Hawaii andwe’re especially proud of our teamworkwith the state and county, ourconstruction contractor and localfishermen and boaters.”The project was a cost share betweenthe Corps and DLNR. The constructioncontract was awarded to Healy TibbittsBuilders, Inc. on Sept. 24, 2004 for$2,302,000 with the State option awardedin January 2005 in the amount of $960,000.The $3.262 million project widened theentrance channel width to 50 feet anddeepened it to 9.5 feet, dredging a 100-foot by 120-foot and 8.5-foot deep turningbasin. In addition the project demolishedthe old 14-foot wide boat ramp andloading dock, constructed three, 15-footwide launch ramps and a loading docklocated at the man-made peninsula at thenorthwest corner of Kahului Harbor.Hawaii State Sen. Shan S. Tsutsui, 4th Senatorial District (left), and Gov. LindaLingle untie the maile lei to open the Kahului Small Boat Harbor to the public.Photo by Sharon IshikawaThe new loading dock includes ahandicapped-accessible walkway.“This long-awaited project to make alarger, and safer, Kahului Boat Ramp facilitywould not have been possible without thepartnership between the Army Corps ofEngineers, DLNR, and with the support ofthe Maui Trailer Boat Club, Maui’srecreational fishermen and thecommunity,” said DLNR Chairman PeterYoung.“We congratulate the Army Corps ofEngineers for their dedication to getting thisproject completed and to Healy TibbittsBuilders. We also thank Mayor Arakawaand the county for their help,” Young said.Gov. Lingle presided over the event andpraised the Corps’ work on the harbor andits general support to the State of Hawaii.“The partnership between the Corps andthe state for this project demonstrates ourmutual commitment for the betterment of thepeople of Hawaii,” Anderson said. “I amconfident that we will continue to worktogether to plan and build many morebeneficial projects in Hawaii.”Chief of Engineers Surveys Pacific Construction Progress(continued from page 3)More than 8,000 of the Corps’ 34,000employees volunteered to assist in Gulfrecovery operations – that’s amazingconsidering we still were able to functionwithout a hitch across the command. ”Strock also made a point to explain thatdespite a lack of visibility in the U.S., theresults of the Corps’ construction effortsare beginning to show in Iraq.“The Corps’ is doing unbelievablethings in Iraq – having completed nearly2,500 of about 3,200 planned projects.We are also having an amazinginfluence on Iraqi engineers, contractorsand the Iraqi people in rebuilding andcreating a new and better Iraq,” Strocksaid.“On Site”At the District’s military constructionand Kaumalapau Harbor project sites,Strock passed out command coins tocontractors and employees to thank themfor their support of the nation andservicemen. He explained to contractorsand HED project managers that Corpsprojects in Hawaii are just as important asbeing on the front lines in Iraq orAfghanistan in support of the Global Waron Terror.“Everything you do – even thoughyou’re five or six thousand miles awayfrom the front lines – is just as importantas if you were on the front lines, “Strocksaid. “Your support of the Corps’ missionand the GWOT is by maintaining ourmomentum and providing our customerswith the best quality products.”In his closing remarks at the town hallmeeting Strock told the assembly theCorps “continues to do vital work for theArmy, Air Force, the nation and theworld.” He added that the future of theArmy and Corps in Hawaii centers onArmy modularity and the GWOT.“Priority number one is supporting theglobal war on terror,” Strock said. “Thatwon’t change until the terrorists aredefeated.”His final message was simple.“Always remember who we serve andthe global mission before us.”ThePacificConnection9

Honolulu Engineer, Spouse HelpRepublic of Palau Bring Home the GoldStory by William QuinnPalau Resident OfficePalau Resident Office’s Paul Bowenand this wife Nobuko helped The Republicof Palau sweep the gold medals in thepaddling competition at the MicronesianGames in Saipan from June 23 to July 3.The physical and social aspects ofpaddling have become an integral part ofthe Bowen family.Four months of hard physical trainingpaid off for the Bowens as the Men’s andWomen’s Palauan Outrigger PaddlingTeams brought home six gold medals.Both the men’s and women’s teams wonall three Va’a Canoe events including themarathon, the 1500 and the 500.Bowen said they were treated likereturning heroes with bragging rights asMicronesian champions when theyreturned to Palau after the games.The Bowens are well known andconsidered “transplanted locals” in Palau.Nobuko and Paul Bowen show off gold medals they won as part of the Women’s andMen’s Palauan Outrigger Paddling Teams at the Micronesian Games in Saipan in June.Their teams won in all the Va’a Canoe events. Courtesy photoCivil Engineer Paul Bowen wishes good luck to his wife Nobuko as she joins herpaddling team for the next race at the June Micronesian Games. Photo by Rose Callier10ThePacificConnectionHe says their love of the sport of paddlinghas integrated them deeper into thePalauan community.Bowen arrived in Palau in June 1996as the Corps of Engineers Representativeduring the very early stages of the 53-milePalau Compact Road Project. Coming fromNorfolk District, he had no previousexposure to island life or to an outriggercanoe other than watching the old TVseries Hawaii Five-0.In 1998, a Palauan friend invited himto try outrigger paddling with the islandpaddling club. In 2003, after completinghis required five years of Palau residency,Bowen joined the Republic of Palau team.The Micronesian Games are theregion’s premier international sportingevent for the small islands and territoriesof the Northern Pacific such as Guam,Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands,Pohnpei, Nauru, Palau, Chuuk and Kosrae.The games feature traditional eventslike track and field, swimming andbasketball, as well as unique island eventssuch as spearfishing, coconut treeclimbing and coconut husking. The nextMicronesian Games will be in 2010.

District Employees of the MonthCheryl Gushikuma, AccountantMs. Gushikuma of the Resource ManagementOffice is commended for herdedicated efforts which led the Districtin maintaining its “green” rating for assetmanagement during several recentchanges to the Chief Financial Officers(CFO) Act Audit Issues in preparation forpotential audit of our Civil Works financialstatements. These highly-visibleaudit issues involve proper accounting ofcost share and non-cost share projects,validating data in both the CEFMS andREMIS with existing supporting documentationfor Buildings and Other Structures,and Land. She ensured the successfulcompletion of these actions duringrecent external review of internal controls.Ms. Gushikuma’s dedication, tirelesseffort and positive attitude reflectgreat credit on herself and the Corps.MayKent Tamai, Contract SpecialistMr. Tamai of Contracting Division hasbeen serving as Contract Specialist forthe Eleven Modular Temporary CompanyOperations Facilities at Schofield Barracks.The Scope of Work for this projectconstantly changed and a number ofamendments to the solicitation were required.The solicitation contained overseventy line items in the proposal schedulethat were subject to various statutorylimitations. Mr. Tamai evaluated all of theJon Hosaka, Project ManagerMr. Jon Hosaka of Army-HawaiiBranch, PPMD has demonstrated stalwartdedication and focus on project execution.He and his teams have encounterednumerous challenges on the FY05Combined Arms Collective Training Facilityin Kahuku and FY06 Battle AreaComplex, PTA projects. Both SBCTprojects were designed, solicited anddeemed unawardable because of highbids. Mr. Hosaka orchestrated and leddirect and indirect costs which requiredcoordination with the Defense ContractAudit Agency. The project was successfullyawarded in April. His excellent contractingskills, initiative, diligence, andextra-long hours of work contributed immenselyto the successful award of thiscommand interest project.meetings to identify ways to keep theprojects within budget, while minimizingimpact to training capability. He alsorepresented the District at an ArmyRange and Training Land Symposiumand obtained validation from key stakeholderson our strategy for executingthese projects He is recognized for hisoutstanding commitment to readiness,training and the Corps of Engineers.MayJuneDiane Oda, Admin. AssistantMs. Diane L. Oda continues to excelat the Schofield Barracks Area Office.She performs multi-functional actionswithin very short suspense dates thatdirectly impact the daily operational capabilitiesof the Area Office to meet itsmission goals. She is accurate, concise,and timely with payroll-related responsibilities,creation of electronic personnelactions, updating of all training performedfor the entire area office, generating train-ing requests, travel orders, and PR&C’s,while also performing all credit cardtransactions, documentations, andmonthly payments. Her dedication andcaring attitude exemplify the best of theCorps of Engineers and the HonoluluDistrict in all aspects.JuneThePacificConnection11

HelloShivaun White, Vanessa Lung, NicholasMorikawa, Patrick Hannigan, Jamie Adams,Marc Murashige, Faith Soma, Sheldon Nishimaand Jay KashiwamuraGood-byeAloha means:Trudy Rego, Mary Yoshimura, Paula Reinhardt,Lori Suzuki, Renee Kurashige, CherylGushikuma, Moana Hence, Paula Shimata andLaura MilesSympathyTo the family of Dave Swenson who diedJune 5 at home in South Whidbey, Wash. Heretired in 1991 after 30 years of Corpsservice.Jay Tanaka Retires After36 Years of ServiceJay M. Tanaka retired after 36 years ofmeritorious service to the U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers. He served theHonolulu District from 1970 to 1981, theEurope District Germany from 1981 to1986, the Japan District from 1986 to2001 and finally the Chicago Districtfrom 2001 to 2006. Courtesy photoU.S. Army Engineer District, HonoluluATTN: Public Affairs OfficeU.Building 230, CEPOH-PAHonolulu District ShortsDistrict WelcomesNew OC ChiefThe District welcomes new Chief, Officeof Counsel, Shivaun White (shown withDistrict Commander, Lt. Col. David E.Anderson), who comes from Naples Italywhere she provided counsel to NavalFacilities Europe.Her previous work experience includesbeing an Assistant District Counsel at SanFrancisco District in California andEurope District in Wiesbaden, Germany.She enjoys running, cycling,swimming, and SCUBA diving. She shouldbe right at home here in Hawaii. Photo byJoseph BonfiglioReaching Out to Hawaii’s YouthFive area high schoolstudents in the LeewardCommunity College UpwardBound Program joinedHonolulu District for thesummer. The program,funded by the Dept. ofEducation and the Dept. ofLabor, develops students’job and leadership skillsand encourages students toattend college. From left toright: Gilbert Bacani,Dulayvone Chanthanam,Charisse Campania, CrystalBisquera, and Zyra-MaeLawi-An.Photo by Sarah H. CoxThePacificConnection