The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) named its 2024 Employee, Manager and Team of the Year award winners, recognizing their outstanding contributions to public education in Hawai‘i.

“Students are at the core of everything we do,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “These awardees exemplify passion and commitment, going above and beyond in service to our schools. We are grateful for their dedication and proud to honor their achievements.”

2024 Employee of the Year: Gary Bignami

Gary Bignami, a facilities planner in the Environmental Service Unit of the Office of Facilities and Operations has been named HIDOE’s 2024 Employee of the Year. A recognized “go to” expert in environmental safety, Gary plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with such areas as asbestos, lead paint, soil contamination, air quality and drinking water safety in schools. His expertise has been essential in crises such as the Red Hill water contamination and the Lahaina wildfires, where he worked to ensure the safe reopening of schools. His vigilance, advocacy for safe solutions, and ability to effectively communicate with decision-makers have been instrumental in maintaining safe learning environments for Hawai‘i’s students.

2024 Manager of the Year: Renee Kim

Renee Kim, school food services manager at Wilson Elementary, has been named HIDOE’s 2024 Manager of the Year. For over 40 years, Renee has taken pride in preparing nutritious, delicious meals, creating a school lunch program so popular that students frequently request second servings. Beyond the cafeteria, Renee contributes to the school’s annual fun fair, collaborates with parent organizations, and supports fundraising events. Her positivity and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Wilson Elementary community. 

2024 Team of the Year: Leadership Institute’s Maui Support Team

Following the Lahaina wildfires, the Leadership Institute’s Maui Support Team was instrumental in helping schools, students and staff navigate a challenging recovery process. While schools remained closed for environmental assessments, the team launched and staffed a hotline to assist Lahaina families, responding to nearly 900 calls within two months. When distance learning hubs were established and campuses reopened, the team provided vital support to Lahaina principals, assisting with scheduling, logistics and safety protocols. Their work helped over 2,000 students transition back to campus confidently and safely.

The Leadership Institute’s Maui Support team includes: Kami Apao, Reychelle Nicole Ayau-Odom, Alisa Bender, Pamela Goodwin, Donna Kagawa, Shauna Kikiloi, Stacie Kunihisa, Jill La Boy, Jaclyn Lone Elk, Rodney Luke, Gina Mata and Lisa Nagamine.

The event also recognized the outstanding efforts of the following HIDOE employees and teams:

2024 Sustained Superior Performance Awards

• Donna Au, secretary, Facilities and Maintenance Branch, Office of Facilities and Operations
• Tiffany Frias, educational specialist, Extended Learning Branch, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design
• Jason Locke, school custodian, ‘Ewa Makai Middle School
• Normann Olegario, counselor, ʻIlilahi Elementary School 

2024 Manager of the Year Awards

• Michael Bio, school custodian, Hoʻokele Elementary School

2024 Team Excellence Award of Merit

• Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program Team
  Sara Alimoot, April Lum, Donna Manibog, Lisa Martinez, Toby Portner, Lillian Segal, Maryellen Stewart and Jennifer Yang
• ʻEwa Makai Middle School Office Staff Team
  Carol Alama, Christine Bodnar, Malama Botelho, Carolyn Kaneshiro, Reanette Lacuesta, Lori-Lee Lopez, Shayna Paresa, Johnelle Sua and Kris Tanuvasa 
• Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani Resource Team
  Colleen Carson, Jo Ann Eckert, Jill Ibi, Kristen Iwashita, Julie Kaohi, Careyanne Nakamura, Katherine Nakamura, Rayna Nitta, Luana Seitz, Tammy Shiraki, Alec Shimizu, Julie Solarz, Terrence Tenjoma and Beckey Wong
• Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua ESSER Team
  Clayton Haida, Kerry Kawamura, Lynn Kitaoka, Benjamin Miura, Mavis Nakabayashi, Alicia Nakamitsu, Harmony Paz, Marjorie Pudiquet and Tasha Tanda 
• R.L. Stevenson Middle School Office Team
  Mary Anton, Susan Horikawa, Nellie Kaheaku-Kalamau, Lynn Nakabayashi, Heidi Yasuda and Reina Yonesaki 
• Royal School Cafeteria Team
  Emmanuel Guittap Jr., Keshia Kaneshiro and Shelly Montalbo 
• School-Based Behavioral Health Team
  Ayada Bonilla, Martin Hackel, Hui-Lien Hsia-Rominger and Kimberly McDonald
• Waiākea Elementary School Main Office Team
  Tiffany Lee-Read Pascual, Melanie Rodriguez, Saesha Saldana and Lianne Tamashiro