North Shore NewsI want to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season! Mahalo to everyone who came out for the 77th Wahiawā Veterans Day parade on November 11th. It was great to join the Wahiawā Lions Club, individuals, and community partners on a day of celebration in honoring veterans for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. I look forward to many more parades in the future.
As we finish up the year, I would like to highlight three outstanding women from the district who were recognized by the Honolulu City Council in November and December for their selflessness and service to community.
Denise Antolini was congratulated on her retirement and recognized for her dedication to the legal community. For 28 years she worked at the William S. Richardson Law School as faculty and as Co-Director and Director of the Environmental Law Program as well as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Although retired, Denise is still involved in the law school and legal community by mentoring law graduates and collaboratively working with the State Judiciary to strengthen Hawaii’s Environmental Court. She is excited to have more time to give to her many North Shore Community projects.
Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui received the manager of the year award for the Board of Water Supply (BWS). She has been head of the communications office of BWS since July 2016. Since then, she has tirelessly worked to develop and manage her team of ten employees, the BWS’ communications program, and innovative services to align with their mission and to consistently preserve government transparency and community trust. During the 2021 Navy Red Hill fuel leak, Kathleen worked with BWS staff and key officials to quickly develop and lead communications strategies to effectively manage the widespread fears, concerns, and outrage of Oʻahu water users. Her exceptional insight, decision making, planning, organizational, and collaborative leadership skills exemplifies the qualities that organizations seek in effective leaders and was instrumental in promoting the future of safe, dependable, and affordable water service for O‘ahu residents.
Sheryl Almeida was recognized for her definitive and lasting contributions to the Waialua community. As a Waialua High and Intermediate teacher and class advisor, she spent countless hours educating and supporting students and children from the community. Sheryl’s legacy of commitment will not only live on through her beloved family, friends, and the countless students she has mentored, but also with the renaming and dedication of the Waialua High School library to the Sheryl Almeida Student Hub. This dedication will ensure that future Waialua generations will continue to
grow, flourish, and reach their potential and embrace their successes.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how to better support our community. You can reach me by phone at (808) 768-5002 or by email at mweyer@honolulu. gov.