CELEBRATING WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE IN KAUA‘I: PRESENTATION OF THE KA LIKO LAWELAWE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INTERN WITH HELE IMUA
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
LĪHUʻE, HAWAI‘I – A joint House-Senate Certificate was presented to the County of Kaua'i recipient of the inaugural Ka Liko Lawelawe Award, which recognizes an emerging professional from each county who exemplified exceptional promise and professionalism during their public sector internship.
“This program creates an inspiring opportunity to see students from the Kauaʻi community step forward with dedication and professionalism,” said Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8 – Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), Senate President. “Juliet represents the talent and heart found throughout the island, and her commitment to public service strengthens the essential work our departments perform every day. We look forward to seeing how Hele Imua uplifts the best and brightest in Kaua‘i and our state.”
The certificate was presented by Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, to Juliet Madrid.
Awarding of the House-Senate Certificate
(L:R DLIR Director Jade T. Butay, Senator Ronald D. Kouchi, Juliet Madrid, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, DOH Director Kenneth Fink, DOH Deputy Director Kathleen Ho, Dr. Janet Berreman)
“I’m honored to receive this recognition and extremely grateful for the mentors who guided me throughout my internship,” said Juliet Madrid. “Serving my community through state government has been a meaningful experience, and I’m excited to continue building my career here on Kaua‘i, helping support the work that keeps our island healthy and thriving.”
Under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Hele Imua internship program, Juliet Madrid successfully completed an internship with the Disability Compensation Division in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations under the supervision of Aric Fujii and is currently employed as an Office Assistant III at the Kaua‘i District Health Office in the Department of Health under the supervision of Jackie Teves.
“We are incredibly proud of Juliet’s growth and the professionalism she brings to the Kaua‘i District Health Office,” said Dr. Janet Berreman, M.D., the Kauaʻi District Health Officer, Director of the Department of Health. “Developing homegrown talent is essential to strengthening public health across our islands, and her journey reflects the impact that high-quality mentorship and hands-on experience can have. We look forward to her continued service to the people of Kaua‘i.”
“Juliet’s journey through the Hele Imua internship program is a powerful example of how investing in local talent strengthens our communities and our government,” said Jade T. Butay, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Her dedication and growth reflect the very mission of Hele Imua—to empower emerging professionals with the tools and mentorship they need to thrive in public service.”