PacificConnection

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The PacificConnection

U.S. Army Corpsof EngineersHonolulu District

PacificConnection

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Fall 2006Vol. 40, Nr. 4

Fall 2006

Honolulu Welcomes 65th District CommanderHonolulu Welcomes 65th District Commander

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continue to make safety paramount ineverything that you do.

Again, thank you for the tremendouswelcome to the District. I look forward towork with all of you as we support ourgreat Soldiers, Airmen and the people ofHawaii and the Pacific Region.

Essayons and Mahalo!

The Pacific Connection, an unofficial publication authorized by AR360-1, is a periodical produced by the Public Affairs Office, HonoluluDistrict, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Shafter, HI 96858-5440. Telephone (808) 438-9862. This command informationpublication is for employees and others who request it in writing and is also available on line: http://www.poh.usace.army.mil/.Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or theDepartment of the Army. Circulation: approximately 1,100.

Honolulu District Commander........................................... Lt. Col. Charles H. KlingeChief, Public Affairs ............................................................................ Joseph BonfiglioMedia Relations Specialist ............................................................. Dino W. BuchananPacific Connection Editor ......................................................................... Sarah H. Cox

OpinionCommander’s Comments

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The Honolulu DistrictThe best place

where the best people servesingularly focused on

executing quality projectsrelevant and ready

responsible and reliableand having fun!

On the Cover

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Pacific Ocean Division Commander Brig. Gen.John W. Peabody (center left) passes the

colors to Lt. Col. Charles H. Klinge (centerright) symbolizing the official change of

command for the Honolulu District. At left isoutgoing Commander Lt. Col. David E.

Anderson and at right is James Bersson,Deputy District Engineer for Programs and

Project Management. Klinge became the 65th

Honolulu District Commander during aceremony at Fort Shafter, July 21.

Photo by Dino W. Buchanan

Lt. Col. Charles H. KlingeDistrict Commander

I want to first thank you all for the verywarm welcome you gave me and my familyinto the Honolulu District Ohana. Andspecial thanks to all of you who made thechange of command and reception a first-class event.

I am very proud and honored to be thecommander of such a great organization.The Honolulu District has a wonderfulreputation and that is because of you. Icontinue to be impressed with the positiveattitude, competence and professionalismdisplayed throughout. Please know thatyou all are making valuable contributionsto the Soldiers, Airmen and people ofHawaii and throughout the Pacific Region.

I also want to thank Lt. Col. DaveAnderson for all that he did for theDistrict during his tenure and for makingthis a truly seamless transition for me andmy family. Dave – we wish you, Kara andyour family all the best and know ourpaths will cross again. Mahalo Nui Loa!

As I continue learning about theDistrict, our people, processes andcustomers, I am reassured to discover thatwe are focused on the right priorities andheaded in the right direction. We willmaintain the momentum of our previoussuccesses while we work to enhance areaswhere we can use some improvement. Wewill publish our FY07 Operations Plan

shortly which will detail our three focusareas and supporting objectives. Thesefocus areas and supporting objectives arenested in the USACE Vision and PacificOcean Division’s Campaign Plan. I askthat you read the OPLAN so you have aclear understanding of the direction of ourDistrict and can help us achieve our goalswith a focus on execution of qualityprojects.

We recently marked the five-yearanniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.The mission of the Corps of Engineers is avital part of the Global War on Terror(GWOT) and support to the GWOTremains our #1 priority. Additionally, therole of the Corps’ response teams iscritical to disaster relief and recoveryefforts as evidenced by theunprecedented devastation along the GulfCoast last year. I ask that you considervolunteering for one of these importantmissions.

Last, but not least, I want to addresssafety. There is inherent danger in manyof our day-to-day activities. We work onjob sites with heavy equipment, aroundutilities, and at elevated heights, to name afew of the dangers. Nothing that we do isworth a serious injury or death. Please

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Rick Totten, an attorney from Honolulu District’s Office of Counsel, delivers hisformal presentation at the 2006 Hawaii Procurement Institute Conference held at theUniversity of Hawaii-Manoa. Listening at left is Danielle Conway-Jones, Professor ofLaw and Director, Hawaii Procurement Institute. Courtesy photo

Outreach to State of Hawaii: District Provides Model forImproving State BusinessProcurement Procedures

The U.S. Army Corps of EngineersHonolulu District recently participated ina round-table discussion about the fair-ness of Federal and State procurementpractices by government contracting offi-cials at the 2006 Hawaii Procurement Insti-tute (HPI) Conference held at the East-West Center on the University of HawaiiManoa campus.

Honolulu District’s Rick Totten, an at-torney in Honolulu District’s Office ofCounsel, discussed the statutory require-ments that govern the Corps of Engineersobtaining needed professional architectand engineering services under theBrooks Act (40 United States Code §§541-544). His presentation stressed thatthe federal system for selecting architect-engineering (A-E) firms is fair, open andcompetitive.

“My goals (for the conference) wereto educate the private sector on how theCorps of Engineers system works, aboutits inherent fairness and to encouragemore companies to get involved in thefederal acquisition system,” Totten said.

HPI, which is a part of the Universityof Hawaii, Richardson School of Law, wasestablished by the State of Hawaii legisla-ture to educate, train, research, and reporton procurement matters affecting the Stateof Hawaii and those with whom the Statedoes business for its required goods, ser-vices and construction needs.

As the State of Hawaii is currentlylooking to transform its present procure-ment system into one that somewhat mir-rors the federal government process, theconference focused discussion topics onhow Professional Services Contracts wereobtained in both the Federal and Statesectors, how Suspension and Debarmentare handled differently by each sector andincluded workshops dealing with smallbusiness matters.

HPI’s long term goal is to assist in thetransformation of the way the State of Ha-waii performs its procurement functionsfrom its current patchwork procedures toone based on competition. This would bea new system with established contractingprocedures, a system open to everyoneand that is not dependent on political fa-voritism or affiliation.

Totten, who was the only federal sec-tor representative invited to participate in

the sessions, told an audience of distin-guished legislators, State and County ofHawaii procurement professionals, aca-demics and private sector contractors,that the federal procedures used to obtainprofessional architect and engineer ser-vices is a “qualification based system.”

“All firms who wish to perform A-Ework in the federal sector can submit theirqualification in the competitive processused, “Totten said. “It’s a process basedon announced selection criteria and thecriteria relate to qualifications possessedby private sector A-E firms.”

Totten’s presentation stressed thatthe federal system for selecting A-E firmsis fair, open and competitive. Individualfirms who are not selected can request adebriefing so it might become more com-petitive in the future.

“I encouraged more companies to getinvolved in the federal acquisition systemand stressed the fact that the HonoluluDistrict has a dedicated deputy to thecommander whose sole job is to work withsmall, disadvantaged, minority owned,and women owned businesses, and en-sure that these firms receive a fair portionof the Federal acquisition pie. This initia-tive is based on mandates from Congress,which are contained in numerous statutes,regulations and policy statements.”

Totten said that telling the Corps storyand providing information and initiative tosuch a diverse professional-laden audi-ence was a rewarding experience “that Iwould gladly repeat.”

“I enjoy telling the public about thefair acquisition system used by the Fed-eral Government and the Corps vital rolein building great projects and deliveringrelated engineering services by our dedi-cated people for our Nation’s defense andthe prosperity of our country.”

To learn how to do business with theArmy Corps of Engineers, the followingwebsite provides a step-by-step approachto the Department of Defense Market-place: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/doing_business/DoD_Contracting_Guide.htm.

Story by Honolulu District Public Affairs

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Although most anyone can build awebsite these days, the professionals ofHonolulu District’s Technical IntegrationGroup (TIG) haven’t just “built” awebsite, they’ve packaged 21st centuryGeographic Information System (GIS) andComputer-Aided Drafting and Design(CADD) technology, attached handlesand urged District employees to grab ahandle and hold on.

The eGIS (enterprise GeographicInformation System) incorporates onlinemapping tools that require no specializedGIS software for the user. Before theimplementation of eGIS, the District’sgeospatial data was loosely organized.This made finding global data difficult andoften resulted in costly data duplication.

TIG created eGIS as a user-friendlymechanism to store, distribute andmanage its geospatial holdings.

All an employee needs to access thesite is an internet connection and accessto the District’s intranet. In July,Geographer Justin Pummell and CADDFunctional Manager Deborah Solisconducted a series of classes introducingeGIS to District employees.

GIS applications are limitless. Any

TIG Leading the District, Pacific into the 21st Century

Computer AidedDrafting & Design(CADD) FunctionalManager DeborahSolis (standing)conducts a classfor employees inJuly. Solis andGeographer JustinPummell con-ducted a series ofclasses to intro-duce employees toTechnical Integra-tion Group’s newwebsite, eGIS,which puts onlinemapping tools atemployees’fingertips.

District employee can quickly print out atopographical map before going to thefield or can access a nautical mappertaining to an upcoming harbor project.

The site contains a massive amount ofinformation such as tutorials, briefingsand a map library.

A metadata browser will soon beavailable to make the user’s geospatialdata search even easier.

TIG, the brainchild of the formerHonolulu District Engineering &Construction Division Chief Sam Song,began in 2002 with just two employees -Santiago Mor and Benton Ching. Songforesaw GIS’ possible applications for theDistrict early in 1997.

Today TIG has nine employees,including a geographer, a hydraulicengineer, a CADD Functional Manager, acartographer, several engineers and oneGIS technician who are working to executea variety of traditional and non traditionalprojects integrated with the latestgeospatial technology.

GIS is much more than a cartographer’stool. TIG is using GIS in numerous ways:to assist in locating the best possibleroute for a new road from Banda Aceh toMeulaboh, Indonesia after the tsunamidestroyed the previously existing road; todetect shoreline changes and sand gain/loss along Oahu’s coast; to determine if anew building constructed near TriplerArmy Medical Center would degrade the

landmark’s historical viewshed; to identifyand delineate wetlands on militaryinstallations and to identify utility andelectrical power generation requirementsin Guam after a typhoon.

Making GIS easy to understand is anambitious undertaking which has resultedin far-reaching improvements for Districtprojects. GIS has found its way intoalmost every District mission includingcivil works, environmental, emergencymanagement and real estate.

The District’s efficiency has increasedby reducing costs associated withacquiring duplicate data and by improvingthe project managers’ decision makingprocesses by simplifying cumbersomedata.

TIG is serving as good data stewardsas it charges forward with its innovativetechnology. It has continued tostandardize the GIS data, software and thecommon coordinate system to complywith Department of Defense guidelines.

Honolulu’s TIG has starteddeveloping a digital version of all mapsproduced for district projects and iscurrently working with Hawaii’s GIScommunity to geo-reference 2,000 aerialphotographs taken by the Army Air Corpsin 1927. The geo-referencing will allowarchaeologists, biologists, economists,engineers and other scientists in Hawaiito study the history and trends of thearea.

Story and photo by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection Editor

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Technical Integration GroupAccepts GIS Award

Story by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection Editor

Honolulu District’s Technical Integration Group (TIG)received a Special Achievement Award (SAG) in GeographicInformation System (GIS) August 9 for their outstandinggeospatial contributions to the Pacific Region and their abilityto implement a sustainable enterprise GIS (eGIS) system.

GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, andgeographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, anddisplaying all forms of geographically referenced information.With GIS, users can link information to location data such aspeople to addresses, buildings to parcels, or streets within anetwork. This innovative technology enables users to layer theinformation and present a visual representation for analysis thatleads to more informed decisions and a better understanding oftheir communities, businesses and the environment.

The SAG award is presented to companies or organizationswhich have used GIS in extraordinary ways to solve businessproblems, to improve customer service and to benefit thecommunity. The award also recognizes how the organizationhas used new technologies to implement GIS into its problemsolving missions.

Honolulu District’s TIG was selected from among 100,000agencies and corporations around the world. Only the Corps’Mobile (Ala.) District and Engineering Research andDevelopment Center (ERDC), Vicksburg, Miss., have previouslywon this award.

According to Deputy Chief Engineering and ConstructionDivision Curtis Yokoyama, the award is a true reflection of theefforts of the people in TIG.

“This award is a great honor for the District, it recognizeswork which has benefited the community as well as work withinthe organization,” Yokoyama said.

The award also recognized TIG for its innovative eGIS, auser-friendly mechanism to store, distribute and managegeospatial data. The eGIS incorporates online mapping toolsand requires no specialized GIS software for the user.

Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) presentedthe annual award at the 26th Annual International UserConference in San Diego, California.

Honolulu District’s TIG has recently introduced and utilizedGIS and eGIS for District projects in a variety of ways: to assistin locating the best possible route for a new coastal road fromBanda Aceh to Meulaboh, Indonesia after the devastatingDecember 2004 tsunami; to detect shoreline changes alongOahu’s coastlines; to identify and delineate wetlands and tohelp international partners prepare and respond to naturaldisasters.

This is not the first ESRI award for Honolulu District. In2005, Geographer Justin Pummell won First Place, Best SingleMap Product for a map of the Federated States of Micronesia hecreated after Typhoon Sudal hit Micronesia in April 2004.

Justin Pummell (left) and Benton Ching (right) receive theSpecial Achievement Award from Jack Dangermond, president,Environmental Systems Research Institute. Courtesy photo

First Core-Loc Units Set in PlaceTraylor Brothers Inc. (Pacific) workers watch the first 35-tonCore-Loc unit being moved into position Aug. 14, atKaumalapau Harbor on Lanai. Traylor Brothers is construct-ing the new breakwater using approximately 800 of the units.Kaumalapau Harbor is the only commercial harbor on Lanailarge enough to accommodate barges which deliver theisland’s consumer goods. Photo by Paul Mizue

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When Army Capt. Thomas Piazzedeparted the Corps of Engineers’Honolulu District on January 6, 2006 for asix month assignment in Afghanistan tosupport the Global War on Terror he waseager to apply his military engineeringexpertise to reconstruction efforts in thewar-torn country. Piazze was also curiouswhere his knowledge would be appliedand what impact it would make.

After finishing his assignment andreturning to Hawaii, he said the Corps’efforts are making lasting impacts.

“In my opinion, besides the use ofcars and cell phones, Afghanistan isprobably very similar to where the UnitedStates was a century ago,” Piazze said.“Whatever infrastructure they had beforethe Russian occupation and Taliban rulewas brutally taken away from them. Weare essentially helping them to rebuild asolid base after many years of neglect.The Corps and other U.S. agencies areproviding much needed assistance bybuilding those things that we take forgranted back home.”

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Deployed to Afghanistan:Story by Dino W. Buchanan

Media Relations Specialist

Rebuilding the Future of a Nation

“We lived and worked on theconstruction site in K-SPAN buildingsthat our general contractor Fluor built forthe Corps. The site was approximately 30minutes away from Forward OperatingBase (FOB) Salerno, which was thenearest military installation.

Construction of the ANA BrigadeFacility included everything from a powerplant, water system and waste watertreatment plant to a brigade headquarterscomplex and helipad.

“Our office was also assignedmultiple other construction projects whichincluded three road projects - two ofwhich led to the Pakistan border and onethat runs from Khost to Gardez – plus anAfghan National Police (ANP) station inKhost, several border control points anda future ANA Forward Operating Base,”said Piazze. “Since our office onlyconsisted of five Corps personnel,everyone had to help out a little with eachproject.”

Contrary to what is often reported inthe press, Piazze said that the Corps’ andU.S. reconstruction efforts in Afghanistanare creating economic opportunities.

“I definitely feel that the Corps ismaking a dramatic impact on the lives ofthe Afghan people,” he said. “Because of

Capt. Tom Piazze stands (left) with three of the five workers of the Corps’ Khost(Afghanistan) office. Next to Piazze are Staff Sgt. Stu Kuehl (second from left), Maj.Bob Corrales (kneeling) and Master Sgt. Mike Sage. Courtesy photo

“I feel I was able todirectly impact the Afghanpeople by offering thehope of a brighter future.”

--Capt. Thomas Piazze

After a brief processing stint at theCONUS Replacement Center at FortBenning, Ga., he arrived in Afghanistan onJanuary 23.

Piazze was assigned to the Corps’Khost field office, approximately 25 km (15miles) from the Afghanistan/Pakistanborder and was given the role of ProjectEngineer for the $85 million Khost AfghanNational Army (ANA) Brigade Facility.

“My duties as Project Engineer wereto monitor our general contractor, FluorCorporation, and make sure that they metall contractual obligations to the Corps,”Piazze said. “I monitored schedule,Quality Assurance activities, monthlypayments and contract modifications.”

our projects, our contractors were forcedto use many of the local vendors formaterials and supplies. As a result, webegan to see more businesses created inthe area. The establishment of the ANAand ANP facilities and the upgrading ofthe roads throughout the country willallow for businesses to safely growoutside of the city limits and into thesmaller more rural areas. Transportationwill become much better and it is only amatter of time before the outside worldbegins to see the economic and socialimpact that the U.S. has throughout thecountry.”

Piazze added that despite what peoplehear in the media, the Afghanistan peopleare willing and eager to begin improvingtheir country. He cites an example of howthe Corps and construction efforts weremaking a good local impact.

“Our site was located between twovillages that have fought for years overthe land we were building on. In order tomaintain peace between them, we wouldroutinely invite the village elders to a sitdown and talk about the projects andensure them that we hired equal numbersof workers from each village. Fluor, our

(Continued on page 12)

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Honolulu District recently rolled itsannual Southeast Oahu Regional SedimentManagement (SEO/RSM) workshop out ofthe conference room and into the realworld.

Workshop participants spent most ofAug. 23 touring the demonstration projectarea from Mokapu Point to Makapu’uPoint on Oahu’s southeast coast by bus.Co-sponsored by the Honolulu Districtand its partner the Department of Landand Natural Resource’s Office ofConservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL),the SEO/RSM workshop road trip made a12-mile tour of the four potentialdemonstration project areas includingKaupo, Kaiona, and Kailua beaches aswell as Bellows AFS, Lanikai andKa’elepulu Stream.

This is the third year the District hashosted the workshop that focuses onidentifying sources of sand, definingsediment transport pathways as well astrends in wind and wave climate.

Project Manager Tom Smith saidhosting an educational workshop in theregion being studied is a logical andnatural thing to do. He says “workshopssuch these are important becauseeducation, awareness and partnershipsare key elements in a successful RSMprogram.”

This year’s workshop participantsincluded stakeholders and representativesfrom federal, state and local agencies as

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RSM Workshop Showcases Potential Demonstration AreasStory by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection Editor

Hydraulic Engineers Jessica Hays (left) and TomSmith and Civil Engineering Technician JessieDobinchick were recently recognized for theirwork as members of Jacksonville’s “Team of theMonth.” The trio worked “virtually” withFlorida as part of the Flood Control andCoastal Emergency 2006 Team after hurricaneshad damaged shore protection projects alongFlorida’s western coast. The team preparedthree Project Information Reports providingvital assistance to Pinellas and Dade Counties.Photo by Sarah H. Cox

Jacksonville District LaudsCivil Works Technical

Branch Team

well as members of the local academic,engineering and planning community.

Participants were provided with awealth of technical information tofacilitate discussions and help them betterunderstand the issues, constraints andopportunities within the region. Theworkshop also included informaldiscussions, updates on coastalprocesses, status of previous RSMstudies and poster sessions utilizing thebus as a billboard.

According to Smith, regionalmanagement of sediment is especiallycrucial in Hawaii as it creates healthybeaches for shore protection, increasesenvironmental habitat for coastal wildlifeand decreases costs through coordinationof activities. It also allows use of natural

processes to solve engineering problemsand helps prevent storm and flooddamage.

Workshop facilitators explained thatimproper management of sediment can bedetrimental to the islands. Too muchsediment can smother a reef and hindernavigation, while not having enoughsediment can cause wetlands to disappearand beaches to erode. SEO/RSM allowsHonolulu District the opportunity to worktogether with local partners to managesediment that is vital to maintaining ahealthy natural environment.

For more information about RSM visitthe Honolulu District website at: http://gis.poh.usace.army.mil/rsm/pages/index.htm

At a stop on the Corps’ Regional Sediment Management Workshop tour, ProjectManager Tom Smith explains potential erosion control projects to local geoscientistsand officials. Photo by Samantha Young

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Lt. Col. Charles Klinge Becomes 6

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Story by Honolulu District Public Affairs

Former Honolulu District Commander Lt. Col. David E. Anderson, Pacific Ocean Division CommDistrict Commander Lt. Col. Charles H. Klinge salute the colors during the Honolulu District Chahistoric Palm Circle. Photo by Dino W. Buchanan

Lt. Col. Charles H. Klinge addresses theguests assembled for the Change ofCommand Ceremony. Photo by Sarah H. Cox

Lt. Col. Charles H. Klinge became the65th Commander of the U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers’ Honolulu Dis-

trict July 21 during a military ceremonyheld on Fort Shafter, Hawaii’s famousPalm Circle parade field.

Pacific Ocean Division (POD) Com-mander, Brig. Gen. John W. Peabody,hosted the ceremony during which outgo-ing Commander Lt. Col. David E. Ander-son and Klinge passed the guidon sym-bolizing the official change of command.Klinge and his family were presented withfresh flower leis, a Hawaiian symbol ofwelcome, and the Anderson family re-ceived leis as a tribute to their service.

Klinge assumed command fromAnderson who left to become the legisla-tive assistant to the Secretary of theArmy, in Washington, D.C.

Klinge came to the District after serv-ing as the Deputy District Commander ofthe Corps’ New York District.

The Honolulu District is an organiza-tion of about 375 engineers, scientists andsupport staff located in Hawaii, Palau,

Guam, American Samoa, Kwajalein and theCommonwealth of the Northern Marianas.The District is responsible for major mili-tary design and construction, civil works,international and interagency support, realestate services to the Army and Air Force,regulatory work, environmental servicesand emergency management. TheDistrict’s current active program is valuedat about $2 billion.

Klinge began his military career withthe 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Air-borne Division, serving as platoon leaderand company executive officer during Op-eration Just Cause and Operation DesertShield/Desert Storm.

After completing the Engineer OfficerAdvanced Course, Klinge joined the Engi-neer Brigade staff of the 3rd Infantry Divi-sion in Wurzburg and Schweinfurt Ger-many and later served as the Assistant

Brigade Engineer. He commanded ‘A’Company, 10th Engineer Battalion, laterreflagged as the 9th Engineer Battalion,1st Infantry Division, to include Opera-tion Joint Endeavor in Bosnia.

This is Klinge’s third tour with theCorps of Engineers. From 1999-2002, heserved as Chief, Real Estate Division,Project Engineer and Project Manager,and Chief of Military and Support For Oth-ers Programs for the Los Angeles District,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Klinge also served as the ExecutiveOfficer of the 8th Engineer Battalion, 1stCavalry Division and the Baghdad AreaOffice Commander in the Central District,Gulf Region Division during OperationIraqi Freedom II from 2002-2005.

His awards and decorations includethe Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Meritori-ous Service Medal (2 OLC), Army Com-

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5th Honolulu District Commander

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Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon (left), thecommander of the 25th Infantry Division,Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, presents theArmy Outstanding Civilian Service Medalto Kara Anderson, the wife of Lt. Col.David E. Anderson (center), formerHonolulu District Commander. Photo byDino W. Buchanan

er Brig. Gen. John W. Peabody and Honoluluof Command Ceremony July 21 at Fort Shafter’s

Honolulu District Commander Lt. Col.Charles H. Klinge, his wife Laurel andson pose for their first family photo inHawaii after the Change of CommandCeremony. Photo by Sarah H. Cox

mendation Medal (2 OLC), and the ArmedForces Expeditionary Medal (with Arrow-head Device).

Klinge is a graduate of the UnitedStates Military Academy and the U.S.Army Ranger and Jumpmaster Schools.He holds a Master of Science Degree inCivil Engineering from Purdue University.

Prior to the change of command cer-emony, Anderson received the ArmyMeritorious Service Medal from the PODCommander. Kara Anderson, the outgo-ing commander’s wife, was presented theArmy Outstanding Civilian Service Medalby Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, the com-mander of the 25th Infantry Division.

Mixon lauded Kara Anderson’s self-less service to the Army community atSchofield Barracks and praised herhusband’s exemplary leadership in guid-ing the Corps’ support of Army Transfor-mation.

Mixon said Lt. Col. Anderson’sproactive efforts in coordinatingconstruction of Army Transformationprojects for the 25th ID and Pacific Armyunits were paying giant dividends nowand will continue to do so in the futureeffectiveness of 25th ID Soldiers.

Mixon said the Corps’ completion ofthe Battle Simulation Complex at SchofieldBarracks made a difference in the way 25thID Soldiers train for combat.

During his tenure, Anderson met thechallenge of successfully leading theDistrict in executing all missionrequirements: military construction(MILCON), civil works, international andinteragency services, real estate,regulatory, environmental services andemergency management support.

Throughout his tour of duty,Anderson led a highly motivated staff insupport of U.S. Army militaryconstruction and transformationinitiatives at Hawaii Army posts includingcompletion of barracks renewal onWheeler Army Air Field, the BattleCommand Training Center, InformationSystems Facility and Aviation BrigadeHeadquarters for the 25th InfantryDivision.

Under Anderson’s leadership, theDistrict began military construction tosupport the new C-17s arriving in Hawaii

with the C-17 Squadron OperationsFacility, the C-17 Simulator Facility, C-17Maintenance Shops and the Hickam AirForce Base (Medical) Life-Skills Clinic.

In addition, the Honolulu Districtalso provided significant civil workssupport to the State of Hawaii, specificallyinitiating reconstruction of Kaumalapau(Lanai) Harbor breakwater, completion of

dredging at the Kahului Small BoatHarbor, completion of the MoanaluaValley (Oahu) Rockfall Mitigation and anexpansion to the ongoing Ala Wai Canaland Watershed Project study.

The District awarded more CivilWorks and Interagency Serviceconstruction contracts during his tenurethan in any comparable period in the past10 years.

Through Anderson’s leadership, theDistrict’s Emergency ManagementDivision provided exemplary support foremergency response and interagency daminspections for Hawaii after heavy rains inMarch 2006; Indonesian Tsunami supportto USAID; support for Hurricanes Katrinaand Rita in 2005 and the Guinsaugon,Leyte, Philippines mudslide in April 2006.

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however, was oriented towards satisfyingthe personal interest of local communitymembers whether they wanted to use theeducation for vocational purposes or not.If people choose to continue this work asa vocation they can build up experienceand expertise for advancement to UXOTech job categories II & III, which affordsmanagement-decision making functions.

“Local training provided Hawaiiresidents an alternative from theassociated travel costs and familyseparation and a somewhat expensive$15,000, six-week training at Texas A&MUniversity or the University ofTennessee,” said Clayton Sugimoto fromWil-Chee Associates, the primarycontractor organizing the training.

“We were able to work with our localpartners and ATI-UT in order to hold thetraining entirely on the Big Island, solessening effects of absence on thoseparticipants with families and other urgentdemands.”

The first class of UXO technicians isrepresentative of a diverse localcommunity including members of a varietyof local ethnic communities including alarge number of Native Hawaiians. Agesspanned from 19 to over 60 years.Graduates included a former fire chief fromWaikoloa, a representative from theHawaii County Police Dept. and FireDept.; homemakers; representatives fromNative Hawaiian organizations; a smallbusiness owner and an airport securityofficer.

A graduate of thefirst-ever certifiedordnance safetyprogram classsponsored by theU.S. Army Corps ofEngineers HonoluluDistrict proudlydisplays his newlevel oneunexplodedordnance techniciant-shirt. The six-weekprogram ledstudents to becomecertified level onetechnicians. Thegraduationceremony was heldat HawaiiCommunity Collegein Hilo. Courtesyphoto of ATI, Inc.

Fourteen Island of Hawaii residentswere recently graduated as level oneunexploded ordnance technicians from thefirst-ever certified ordnance safetyprogram class sponsored by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers HonoluluDistrict. The class was held at HawaiiCommunity College in Hilo.

“The course was presented through avalidated Department of Defense facilityjointly developed by our Waikoloacontractor, American Technology Inc.(ATI) and the University of Tennessee,”said Honolulu District Waikoloa FUDSProject Manager Charles F. Streck, Jr.

All participants receive academiccredit for the class through the Universityof Tennessee.

“We had great cooperative partneringfrom the Hawaii Community College/University of Hawaii system, Parker Ranchand Strategic Solutions Inc., a non-profitNative Hawaiian advocacy group,” Strecksaid.

The training is paid for andsponsored through the Formerly UsedDefense Sites (FUDS) program,administered by the Army Corps ofEngineers for the Secretary of the Army.The training was presented as part of theinstitutional control program for the FUDSFormer Waikoloa Maneuver Area projectas a means to increase public awarenessand sensitivity to the potential health andsafety risks from unexploded ordnance onthe Island of Hawaii and the Waikoloa-Waimea area specifically.

The six-week certified unexplodedordnance safety program results instudents becoming certified level oneunexploded ordnance technicians.Participants were encouraged to share allthat they had learned from the class withtheir families and local communities inorder to heighten public awareness andsafety.

Before the current course was offered,training was only available at two certifiedordnance safety programs located atTexas A&M University and the Universityof Tennessee. Because of the cost andtime investment required, few local

residents who expressed an interest in theUXO course had been able to attend. Allgraduates, if they choose, receive acertificate qualifying them to function as aUXO Tech I for unexploded ordnanceprojects.

The certification provides ajourneyman-like status which qualifies aperson to work on UXO projects, butprovides no management-decision makingauthority. The class instruction program,

Corps Graduates First Class of UXO TechniciansStory by Honolulu District Public Affairs

A student attending the ordnance safetyprogram prepares his first shot ondemolitions day. Photo courtesy of ATI, Inc.

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Engineers Provide Construction QualityManagement Tips to Small Business Contractors

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged BusinessUtilization (OSADBU) is now officially called the Office ofSmall Business Programs. The name change is mandated byPublic Law 109-163, Section 904.

According to Honolulu District’s Deputy for SmallBusiness, Monica Kaji, the new name is a welcome change.The new name accurately reflects the program withouthaving a negative connotation.

The Small Business Program came into being in 1942 with

OSADBU Has a New Name:the Small Business Mobilization Act. Congress declared that “afair portion of the total purchases and contracts for suppliesand services for the Government shall be placed with smallbusiness concerns.”

Congress established the Office of Small andDisadvantaged Utilization to implement the functions of theSmall Business Act. You may contact the Honolulu DistrictDeputy for Small Business, Monica Kaji, at 438-8586 or emailmonica.a.kaji@usace.army.mil.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilizationbecomes Office of Small Business Programs

Story and photo by Sarah H. CoxPacific Connection Editor

Honolulu District engineers held an informational seminar inJuly for small business construction contractors on the U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers; Three-Phase Contractor Quality Controlprogram.

Erick Kozuma, Chief, Technical Support Branch and DicksonMa, Resident Engineer, Army/Civil Works Resident Office,conducted the session to assist small business leaders in removingsome of the mystery surrounding the Corps’ quality control program.The one-day seminar also provided details on the Corps’construction submittal preparation process.

“Good planning maximizes efficiency. Full and opencommunication is key to creating a win-win for the contractor andthe government,” Kozuma said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed the three-phasequality control program which is mandated for use in all Corps andU.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command projects.

Nearly 50 contractor personnel representing 17 smallbusinesses attended the seminar and several contractors statedthat they were grateful to have their more complex questions aboutthe program answered in great detail.

According to Dickson Ma, each project is organized intothree distinct phases for each definable feature of construction.The program makes sure all parties fully understand the requirementof the contract and assures that work preceding the upcomingwork is compliant and that all materials to be incorporated andsample works are also compliant.

Ma says educating small business contractors is crucialbecause it helps develop a healthy competitive environment.

Kozuma has seen the success of the program.“In the past we would sometimes find deficient workmanship

and require the contractors to tear out and redo at their ownexpense,” said Kozuma. “This wasted the contractor’s money andimpacted the project schedule. But now with our QC program, we

expend the effort up front and ensure that the contractor understandswhat’s required. This way, tear out and schedule impact has beengreatly reduced, and most importantly, we are providing safefacilities for our Soldiers.”

The program also entails assigning a Contractor QC SystemManager (CQCSM) who has a minimum of five years of relatedexperience to provide quality assurance at every stage of theconstruction process as well as follow-up inspections to ensurethat continued compliance is achieved. From the beginning of theprojects, the CQCSM engages the right expertise and fosterscommunications among all participants.

Erick Kozuma (standing left) and Dickson Ma (standing right)conduct a class at Fort Shafter for small business concerns.

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Chief Emergency Management Division Chief Joel Hendrix explains the Corps’ support to FEMA during natural disasters. TheSpecial Emphasis Program Committee organized two seminars where Hendrix explained the deployment process. Photo by Dino W.Buchanan

Deployed to Afghanistan(Continued from page 6)

general contractor, also went so far as to get together with theU.S. Army Civil Affairs Team and coordinate the construction ofadditional projects that equaled $50,000 per village. We also hadfriends and families (in the U.S.) send us school supplies fromhome that we would then hand out to children at the localschools.”

Piazze said working with Corps civilians in the field was apleasure.

“The professionalism and dedication of the civilians inKabul helped us to successfully accomplish our missions andkept the projects moving forward,” he said.

“We only had one USACE civilian working with us in thefield. Since he was an electrical engineer, we valued his inputthroughout the site concerning electrical issues. We would oftenhave to tap into the resources at the Afghanistan EngineerDistrict headquarters in Kabul for help in specific areas.”

Although the mission was stressful at times Piazze said, “Iwould absolutely do it all over again.”

“I am very proud of my service in Afghanistan,” he said. “Ifeel I was able to directly impact the Afghan people by offeringthe hope of a brighter future. As Americans however, we canonly build the foundation that is needed for growth. It’s now upto Afghanistan to use the infrastructure we have provided andmake the most of the opportunity. I am anxious to see how theywill do in the future.”

Piazze encourages Honolulu District employees to take theopportunity to help make a difference and create economic andsocial opportunities where there have been none before.

“My deployment was an extremely rewarding experience thatI am proud to have accomplished. I encourage each and everyCorps employee to think about accepting the opportunity torepresent the District in either Iraq or Afghanistan.”

Josette Pullen recognizedfor GWOT support

Technical Integration Group’s Josette Pullen received acommander’s coin from then Afghanistan Engineer DistrictCommander Col. Christopher Toomey in August.

Pullen is currently serving a four-month tour at the QalaaHouse Compound in Kabul, Afghanistan where theGeographer (GIS Analyst) is developing infrastructure mapsand databases to support engineers in the field.

This is Pullen’s second tour in support of the GWOT. In2003 she deployed to Iraq. Read more about Pullen’sAfghanistan experience in the next Pacific Connection.

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HurricanePreparedness

Discuss the type of hazards that couldaffect your family. Research your home’svulnerability to flooding and wind.

1. Locate a safe room in your home.The safest areas may not be your homebut elsewhere in your community.

2. Determine escape routes from yourhome and places to meet.

3. Have an out-of-state friend as a fam-ily contact, so all your family membershave a single point of contact.

4. Make a plan now for what to do withyour pets if you need to evacuate as mostshelters will not accept pets.

5. Post emergency telephone numbersby your phones.

6. Make arrangements to safeguardyour boats or watercraft.

7. Take photos of your valuables.8. Take first aid, CPR and disaster pre-

paredness classes.9. Prepare a disaster kit and take it with

you if you must evacuate.

Although hurricane season is typicallyJune to November, Hawaii’s subtropicalclimate makes it susceptible to stormsyear-round. Officials from Hawaii CivilDefense recommend preparing for a stormwell in advance:

1. Develop a family disaster plan2. Prepare a disaster preparedness kit3. Secure the inside of your home4. Secure your home’s outside items5. Stay calm and informedHonolulu District employees need to

be sure to update their emergency notifi-cation information in ENGLink.

HiUSACE ProgramDuring an emergency, Corps employ-

ees should call the following numbers forreporting instructions:

POH: 808 - 438-0385USACE: 877 - 448 - 7223(HiUSACE)

Inside:1. Tape glass windows with large X’s to

reduce shattering (this won’t preventbreakage but may lesson hazard of flyingglass).

2. Wedge sliding glass doors with abrace such as broom handle to preventthem from being ripped loose by the wind.

3. Close drapes and blinds for addedprotection.

4. Unplug all unnecessary appliances,shut off gas valves. If you are going toevacuate your home, shut off the mainswitches to electricity, gas and water.

5. Turn refrigerator to its highestsetting.

6. Consider purchasing Federal FloodInsurance as flood damage is not usuallycovered by homeowners insurance.

Disaster Preparedness Kit

Family Disaster Plan

Before Disaster Strikes

Have a place to go:If you live in low lying areas or near the

shore, try to stay with family or friendswho live a safe distance inland.

If ordered to evacuate, follow ordersfrom local officials. Leave early and besure your car gas tank is filled with gas.Evacuation maps are located in the phonebook or on the Civil Defense website:http://www.honolulu.gov/ocda/maps.htm

Be Part of a Response Team

Plan Early For Evacuations

Prepare a box with:1. Water - at least a gallon daily per

person for up to a week.2. Food - at least a week’s worth of

non-perishables.3. Non-electric can opener.4. Cooking tools / fuel.5. Paper plates / plastic utensils.6. Blankets, pillow, etc.7. Clothing - rain gear, sturdy shoes.8. First aid kit with prescriptions.9. Items for babies or elderly.10. Toiletries.11. Flashlight with batteries.12. Radio - battery-operated and/or

NOAA weather radio.13. Cash - banks may be closed.14. Important documents sealed in a

waterproof container or resealable plasticbag: insurance, medical records, bank ac-count numbers, Social Security card, etc.

15. Tools and16. Pet care items including proper

identification, immunization records,medications, food and water, a carrier orcage, muzzle and leash.

Gather informationCheck the following websites for up to theminute information:http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.htmhttp://www.scd.state.hi.us/http://www.honolulu.gov/ocda/index.htm

Secure your Home

Outside:Before the storm arrives:

1. Take down or roll up and tie canvasawnings;

2. Board up windows with wood;3. Check door locks to be sure they

don’t fail when high winds come;4. Bring in all outdoor items and

encourage your neighbors to do the same.Items can become dangerous projectilesduring strong winds; and

5. Secure toxic or flammable items in asecure location.

Prior to and after natural disasters,USACE is often call upon to assist in adisaster zone. Being part of a responseteam is rewarding and fast-paced. Updateyour Personal Data Sheet and medicalscreening in englink. Contact Lolly Silva orLincoln Gayagas, at 438-8367 for moreinformation.

Taking action in advance makesweathering the storm easier

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New Employees Get On-Site Orientation

New employee Marc Murashige (left), Frank Ono, Allyn Tabata and new employeeJarrett Hara tour the Quad C renovation project on Schofield Barracks in July. Thetour of ongoing projects is just one facet of the POH Overview course which givesnew employees the opportunity to see some of Honolulu District’s varied missions.

Story by Sarah H. CoxPhotos by Debbie Alexander

RVC Park Ranger Garland Ireland (right)explains the Corps’ Civil Works missionduring the July POH Overview Course.

14

New District employees spent threedays in July learning about HonoluluDistrict’s many missions as part of theNew Employee Overview Course.

The course, hosted by theWorkforce Management Office, includesoffice visits, briefings, field trips and teambuilding opportunities.

Workforce Management SpecialistDebbie Alexander, said the course notonly boosts camaraderie but helpsemployees acclimate quicker to their newjobs.

“It gives employees a chance to meetpeople from different offices and givesthem an idea of how they fit into theorganization,” Alexander said.

Giving employees a well-roundedoverview of the District’s varied missionsand projects requires a lot of work andcoordination from the different offices, butaccording to Alexander, “it’s worth it.”

“Having such an intensiveorientation sends a clear message to newemployees that we have a sincere andvested interest in them,” Alexander said.

Employees began the course bymeeting the Deputy District Commander

and Branch and Division Chiefs, visitingvarious offices and enjoying anentertaining Learning Organizationpresentation by Regional LeadershipDevelopment Program Advisor Gary Nip.

On the second day, employeeslearned about the Corps’ past, present andfuture through a variety of interactivedisplays and state-of-the-art exhibits atthe Pacific Regional Visitor Center inWaikiki. Located at historic BatteryRandolf, the RVC serves as the Corps’museum hosting an average 1,200 visitorsa month.

Employees toured several of theCorps’ past and present projects on thelast day of the course including Kaneohe-Kailua (KK) Dam on the Windward Coastand the Whole Barracks Renewal Projectat Schofield Barracks.

Touring the District’s current andfinished projects leaves a lastingimpression on new employees. Severalcommented that visiting KK dam was thehighlight of the day.

“It’s so beautiful, I can’t believe Ihaven’t been there before,” wroteDepartment of the Army intern Jarrett Harain an after-action survey. The dam,

completed in 1980, is estimated to havealready saved millions of dollars inpotential flood damage.

After viewing KK Dam, employeessaw first-hand how the Corps is directlyimproving the quality of life for Hawaii’sSoldiers. Employees traveled to SchofieldBarracks to tour Quad C dormitorycomplex.

“It gave me a sense of how importantour work really is,” commented JamieAdams, a new Real Estate Officeemployee.

Quad C is being renovated as part ofthe $865 million Whole Barracks RenewalProgram to upgrade more than 4,000quarters for Soldiers at Schofield Barracks,Wheeler Army Airfield and Tripler ArmyMedical Center.

By the end of the course, mostagreed it was a worthwhile three days.They not only made new friends andlearned the different roles of the District,but also walked away with a sense ofpride of knowing they’ve just joined anorganization with a long, rich andsuccessful history.

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Employees of the Month

Selma August, Palau RO SecretaryIn her four years with the Palau ResidentOffice Ms. August has greatly improvedthe efficiency of the office. In addition tohandling anything and everything neededfor our visitors, she effortlessly processesall our training and travel needs. Shehandles her duties in a quiet andprofessional manner. She recentlyassumed additional duties assisting theQA office in compiling new spreadsheetswhen a coworker left. Her efforts makesure the Palau Office runs smoothly.

Lenora Okubo, Budget AnalystMs. Okubo develops and monitors theoperating budgets for four administrativeoffices. She is the primary Programs,Budget, and Accounting System TerminalArea Security Officer for the District. Sheensured seamless retrieval, distribution,and processing of 909 direct fundingdocuments since FY02 totaling over $820million. She meets all suspense datesahead of schedule. Her dedication andselflessness are truly admirable qualitiesand make her a great District asset.

Myran Higa, Administrative AssistantMs. Higa recently developed several Excelspread sheets to allow for better trackingof training and miscellaneous expenditures.She often works long hours and weekendsto execute these efforts. She does her jobexceptionally well, and continues tosupport IM in researching informationtechnology products and assisting inpurchasing equipment for all of POH. Heryears of service make her an outstandingDistrict asset deserving of this recognition.

Beth Miura, Program ManagerMs. Miura is the consummate professionalof the PPMD-NEPA Team. Her ability toform and lead multi-disciplined projectteams has resulted in timely delivery ofproducts and services. She also shares herwealth of experience by mentoring herfellow team members. This has greatlycontributed to the success of peer projectsand studies. Because of Beth’s knownvalue, she has accepted a job at our sisterdistrict in Japan. We are happy for her newopportunity and take comfort knowing shehas return rights back to Honolulu!

June June July

August

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Ms. Kruse’s outstanding administrativesupport for the Executive Office, HumanResources, Safety, Public Affairs, EqualEmployment Opportunity and Small Busi-ness does not go unnoticed. Recently sheaccomplished the Executive Assistant’sduties during her month-long absence.Ms. Kruse’s role was also crucial to thesuccess of the recent change of command.She created a database for the guest listwhich will be useful for a variety of re-quirements for years to come. Her manycontributions reflect selfless devotion.

Fran Kruse, Administrative Support Richard Totten, AttorneyMr. Totten’s active involvement andefforts in examining and analyzing apotential Anti-Deficiency Act violationrelating to the Wailoa River flood controlproject ensured that no fiscal law violationoccurred. He gathered necessary factsneeded to obtain additional funding fromHQ, USACE thus preventing an over-obligation. His prompt, thorough anddecisive actions helped the District teamavert a serious fiscal law problem.

JulyJuly AugustAugust

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Hello:Kevin Khan, Nelson Lee, Barry Mishler, RolfNess, Rani Thomas, Alex Tseng and AllenReyes

Good-bye:Christi Shaw, Beth Miura and NicholasMorikawa

Welcome Back:Capt. Thomas Piazze has returned fromAfghanistan and was recently lauded for hisefforts in the GWOT and the response/recovery efforts for Hurricanes Katrina andRita. Read about his tour in Afghanistan onpage 6.

Congratulations:Renee Kurashige has a new job with POD.Kurasige received the Commander’s Awardfor Civilian Service for her exceptionalservice to the Logistics Management Office.

Chuck Streck was recognized by Patricia A.Rivers, Chief, CEMP-R, for his innovativeapproaches to clean-up at WaikaloaManeuver Area on the Island of Hawaii.

Rich Carlile was lauded by Japan DistrictCommander Col. Vasta for his recent legalsupport to JED.

25-Year Service Pins:Brian Chung, Glenn Ishihara, David Kam,Sandy Kuioka, Randall Kurashige, CalvinMashita, Jody Muraoka, Lawrence Onaka,Vecy Pascual, Clayton Sorayama, FrancisTonaki, Lawrence Uemura and WayneYamahsita.

U.

Aloha Means

Benton Ching, a Hydraulic Engineerwith the Technical Integration Group wasrecently recognized by the President ofthe Hawaii Geographic InformationCoordinating Council (HGICC) for hiswork in developing geospatial data setsfor the State of Hawaii and the PacificBasin.

His expertise was vital in producinggeospatial products necessary forpreparing and responding to naturaldisasters.

Ching also recently received theCommander’s Award for Civilian Servicefor his extraordinary efforts in assuringthe readiness of the District.

District ShortsTIG Engineer

Recognized by HGICC

U.S. Army Corps of EngineersDistrict, HonoluluBuilding 230, CEPOH-PAFort Shafter, HI 96858-5440

ATTN: Public Affairs Office

Correction:In the hardcopy version of the Fall PacificConnection, we reported that John Briggs,currently assigned to the Louisville District,would be coming to the Honolulu District asthe new Chief of the Engineering andConstruction Division. This information wasaccurate when we went to press, but Briggshas since decided, for personal reasons, notto come to Honolulu. A replacement Chiefwill be selected and announced soonest.

Dave Tam Retires After40 Years of Service

Congratulations to InformationTechnology Specialist Dave Tam, whoretired Oct. 3. In his 40 years ofgovernment service he has been a partof a myriad of technological changesfrom teletype computers to the presentdigital age. He was instrumental inleading POH into the 21st Century.