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2009 AWWA HI CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS >>
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Highlights of May 14th (Th), 2008
Ono Water Contest, Awards Luncheon
Pacific Beach Hotel, Waikiki

The second day of the 35th Annual Conference started with moderator Cliff Lum introducing Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economic Consulting. Paul provided an interesting perspective into the current state of Hawaii's economy. Rick Karlin of the Water Research Foundation (formally AwwaRF) then gave a presentation on the value of water - making one ponder on why water is priced so much lower than something such as precious metals, which have no bearing on the ability to sustain life.

Mark "Pono" Fujimoto of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply served as master of ceremonies for the 25th Annual "Ono" Water Contest. The category for this year's entrants was small systems (< 1,000 population), and included entrants from Kulani Correctional Facility - Hilo, Waiki'i Ranch - Kona, Kalaupapa National Historic Park - Molokai, Maui Highlands - Maui, Waimano Ridge - Oahu, Waiawa Correctional Facility - Oahu, Kahili Mountain Park - Kauai, and Anahola Farm Lots - Kauai. Contest judges included AWWA Immediate Past President Nilaksh Kothari, Water Research Foundation (formallly AwwaRF) Rick Karlin, and Maui Councilmember Mike Victorino. The "ono" water was judged on three criteria: taste (pleasing/ refreshing), appearance (clarity), and odor (lack of). A listing of all past Ono Water Contest Winners can be viewed here. Congratulations to Kalaupapa National Historic Park, who took 1st place. Other top 3 finishers included Waiawa Correctional Facility (2nd) and Kahili Mountain Park and Waiki'i Ranch (tied for 3rd).

The Top Ops competition, chaired by Earl Ichimura, involved a "College Bowl" type of competition which tests the everyday know-how of water treatment operators, with questions approved by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). The purpose of the competition is to recognize and promote excellence and professionalism in all aspects of water operations by giving operators the opportunity to showcase their talents. Here are the results of this year’s contest:

lst place - combined team from Wood Valley and Hawaiian Beaches (Big Island)
Team Members: Jeff Silva, Kate Prescott and Mark Prescott

2nd place - Kawela Water System (Molokai)
Team Members: Ray Foster, Lisa Foster and Kaleo Puaa

3rd place - Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Team Members: Willie Iaela, Daniel Lee and Lloyd Tanaka

During the awards luncheon, two AWWA Hawaii Section Scholarships worth $1,500 each were awarded. Scholarship Chair Jon Muraoka announced the 2 recipients. Kaikuahine Respicio, son of AWWA Hawaii Section member Hiram Respicio, is a recent graduate of Campbell High School and will be studying Liberal Arts at Mesa State College in the fall. Shereen Doi, daughter of AWWA Hawaii Section member Eddie Doi, is a recent graduate of Kauai High School and will be studying Nursing at Oregon State University in the fall. Two additional scholarships courtesy of the American Backflow Prevention Association were awarded to Lauren Esaki, daughter of AWWA Hawaii Section member Amy Esaki, and Rachel Mizuno, daughter of AWWA Hawaii Section member Arleen Mizuno.

The Outstanding Section Member Award went to Jon Muraoka, AWWA Hawaii Section Past Chair for his "all around" valuable contributions to the organization. Special Recognition Awards were presented to Thomas Arizumi and Stuart Yamada for their valuable contributions to the organization. Recognition was also given to Roy Silva, AWWA Hawaii Conference Trustee.

The day concluded with the Annual Conference Banquet. Master of Ceremonies Mike Victorino presided over the awards ceremonies, which included the AWWA Service Plaque to Woodie Muirhead for serving as the Section Chair, the Golden Drop Award to William Libby, Life Member Awards to Lee Aldridge, Akira Fujimoto, Glenn Johansen, Maurice Kaya, Seichi Oyama, Keith Shida, and Jeffrey Young. A 50-Year Service to the Water Industry Award was also presented to the Hawaii County Department of Water.

The 2009 George Fuller Award went to Elson Gushiken, currently the Hawaii Section Director, for his important contributions to the Hawaii Section.

Below are images from the 35th Annual AWWA Hawaii Section Conference courtesy of Susan Uyesugi, Sandy Nahoopii-Soong and Timothy Lum Yee. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger image.

2009 AWWA HI CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS >>
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