LIHU‘E — Ensuring the safety of travelers is a task that takes many hands.
On Thursday some of those many hands were recognized as leaders of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who are on the front line of traveler security and safety at Lihu‘e Airport, took time out to honor and acknowledge the efforts of individuals and agencies from within as well as from the community who make it possible for travelers using Lihu‘e Airport to feel at ease.
TSA employee Alvin Sasil’s ability to maintain an effective balance between his job, family and community were determining factors in his selection as the TSA Screener of the Year.
Sasil, who started with TSA as a passenger screener at Lihu‘e Airport in October, 2002, was elevated to a lead-screener position in August, 2003. This was followed in November, 2003 by his promotion to supervisor.
More recently, Sasil was detailed to a screening-manager position in October, 2004, and in comments to the overflow crowd at the Lihu‘e Airport conference room, TSA supervisor Sharlene Mata said, “We commend Alvin for his ability to excel at his work place while maintaining an amiable balance with his family life.”
In addition to his employment with TSA, Sasil continues to be involved with his community and volunteer work. Sasil has been coaching the Kapa‘a High School junior varsity football team for the past 13 years and, more recently, became a coach for the Kaua‘i Police Activities League (K-PAL) flag football program.
To further reinforce Mata’s comments, Sasil’s wife Loke provided pre-ceremony music from behind the podium of the conference facility.
Betty Jane (more commonly known as “BJ”) Uegawa led the honorees in the Leadership Awards, as the recipient of the Gold award for her “ability to manage fairly and consistently while educating the workforce in responding to operational and personnel challenges.”
Gwen Hashimura was the recipient of the Leadership Silver award, and Chad Bertelmann was honored with the Leadership Bronze award.
Pamela Britt’s “genuine concern for passengers and fellow screeners” was acknowledged as she was presented the Gold Customer Service award.
Mata noted, “You have a gentle spirit which inevitably keeps passengers calm and patient through the screening process, without jeopardizing security.”
Gini Kapali was the recipient of the Silver Customer Service award, with Daniel Kludt’s “colorful” style being noted during his acknowledgment as the Bronze Customer Service award recipient. The ability to anticipate the needs of the operations, and his sense of persistence and ability to overcome challenges, earned Rei Calapatia the Gold Administrative and Technical Support award.
Mata noted: “Your vision has advanced the goals of the team by promoting effective process improvements. Your dedication and hard work enable and assist others to accomplish the mission of the organization.”
Each of the honorees was also presented with a copy of a letter from David M. Stone, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
While acknowledging the multitude of challenges and changes associated with the rapid growth of the program that is just three years old, Stone said, “An undertaking of this magnitude could not have been accomplished without the professional skill and motivation of individuals at every level throughout TSA, and the support of numerous stakeholders. Each are to be highly praised.”
Representatives of the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency, Will Squyres Helicopters and Hawaiian Airlines were recognized and presented with Partnership Awards for their roles that clearly advance TSA’s mission to protect the nation’s transportation systems as well as significantly enhance TSA’s overreaching goals that include prevention and protection, responding and restoring, and organizational effectiveness, TSA leaders said.Friendship Awards for their roles in supporting TSA’s mission were also presented to the Kaua‘i Police Department and the Lihu‘e Airport’s Maintenance Division, as well as the airport’s Visitor Information Program. Teddy Daligdig III, the administrative and liaison officer for the state Department of Defense on Kaua‘i, added a nice touch by leading a moment of silence to respect all of the troops who are serving in, or about to be deployed to, tumultuous overseas destinations.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or mailto:dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
