2022-12-20 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

Home

Merit Appeals Board December 20, 2022 MS. SIMMONS: Not at this time. I know I have a quarterly report due to MAB that I haven't tackled yet, but I will be learning from Waylen and Lee Botelho who was in this position prior. So, maybe after I sort through all of that, then I may have some questions at that time. MS. MATHEWS: We don't bite—ask Waylen. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Ms. Mathews. Mr. Kunz. MR. KUNZ: Yeah. Welcome, Michelle. I think, Waylen, as you develop your arsenal in your own office, you must—you also making enemies in other departments because but I know the merry-go-round, how that works. So, then, now, I'm sure they have their challenges of recruiting to backfill, if they haven't already. But, welcome. I think you'd be a great addition to HR and I know that with everything we hear from Waylen, he needs a lot of expertise and can, kind of—like you had already said—or Waylen said—hitting the ground running. I think that's going to be very important. So, we're happy to have you. CHR. CABANAS: Lastly, I'd like to just provide my comments to you, Michelle, having worked with you for so long when I was working at the Department of Human Resources. But I'd just to go on the record and say that Michelle Simmons has had a very good track record in the County. Not only did she start as a CVE student but then she started at the clerk's office, and then at parks and recreation. And then, she went over to, I think, human resources, then she went back to public works. And now you are back at the Department of Human Resources. She is a go-getter. And that's what that recruitment and examination manager position is all about. And as evidenced in the last few weeks, I've heard the radio ads on KWXX. Your you organized the Prince Kuhio two-day—was a Friday/Saturday—but wasn't, like, a job fair resources at the plaza, which is really great. Because I feel that having been in your shoes that the interaction with people—one-on-one—is so important. People are so busy in their lives that sometimes they don't realize, really, what the County of Hawai `i has to offer. And I think when you meet with individuals and you explain, as you are doing—and the departments are also going out and doing it as well about their programs and services that's what makes the difference. Then, it's like the lightbulb goes on in the publics' minds and then they say, "Oh, yeah, I really didn't realize that's what the County has to offer." So, I'm really glad I'm happy, Michelle, that you are in this position `cause you have a good track record in all the things you've done so far with the various departments. And so, I'm very hopeful. Look at the notes that I left, just to give you an idea of what—and you know you know what we've done. And do it even better. Make it better so that the public will appreciate the County. Yeah? And then, you'll be able to help the departments fill their vacancies. So, congratulations, `cause I know you've worked really hard in your career. Page 10