Published on March 15, 2024
LIHUE – The Department of Water (DOW) acknowledged employees Jeffery Silva and Jonelle Taira-Kakutani as the recipients of the 2023 “Employee of the Year” awards during the Kaua`i Board of Water Supply’s (KBWS) monthly Board meeting on February 15, 2024.
“Congratulations to Jeffery Silva and Jonelle Taira-Kakutani for their dedication and hard work this past year. Their contributions throughout 2023 demonstrated exceptional work ethic, going above and beyond their normal duties to achieve outstanding results. We are pleased to recognize such exemplary team members.” said Joe Tait, DOW’s Manager and Chief Engineer.
KBWS resolution no. 24-05 states “Jonelle, in concert with her Fiscal Division colleagues and Departmental team imparted her dedication and positivity to inspire staff members to push forward through challenging resource limitations and allow the Department to continue to operate without missing a beat.” After 20 years in the private sector, Taira-Kakutani joined DOW in 2019 as an Accountant I and quickly acclimated through the Department’s fiscal processes and programs earning 2 promotions and currently serves as an Accountant III.
Jeffery joined the Department in 2006 achieving many milestones, raising through the ranks in the Pipefitter Fitter series and now serves as a Water Service Supervisor III in the DOW’s Operations division. He is described by his peers in KBWS resolution no. 24-05 as “patient yet deliberate with his training methods which strengthen the group and fosters a team mentality approach. Jeffery sets an outstanding example of someone who excels at job performance and customer service and is a highly valued member of the Operations Division who is continuously looked to by his co-workers for solid guidance, advice and recommendations.”
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