MEET Mel Carmichael
What made you want to volunteer for a committee position with HWEA?
I wanted to volunteer for a committee position with HWEA to network with other biosolids professionals in my field. I think there is so much to learn from each other and meet some really great people.
How would you like to see the HWEA grow?
Over the years I have seen HWEA grow from my first Pacific Water Conference (PWC) attending in 2015. I believe I would like to see HWEA and it’s committees grow in this same fashion.
How did you get involved in the water industry and how has your career evolved?
Prior to water industry, my background was in Power-Gen and specifically renewable energy. I loved the work that I did and felt good about being part of the renewable energy sector. Water industry gives me that same personal payback that I am doing something good and at the end of the day it make a job not “just a job”.
What do you like most about the water industry?
I like the challenging/complex environmental problems to solve and the people that I work with to solve them.
What is the best advice you have ever received and who gave it to you? Do you have a mentor and what did they teach you?
I have had several mentors throughout my lifetime. Some personal and some professional. I try to look for types of people that challenge me to do better and be better. It is hard to pick one person, but I would have to say my grandfather. My grandfather taught me the value of hard work and family. I think that is why I love Hawaii so much and that Hawaii promotes Ohana.
Let’s talk a little about HWEA. How did you become a member and, in your opinion, what are some benefits of membership?
I became a member of HWEA while I was a new manager and new to the water/wastewater industry. I wanted to network with colleagues and have the opportunity to learn from each other.
Do you have a favorite memory of your time in HWEA?
My favorite memory was the last in person PWC.
Tell us a little about your hobbies. What do you enjoy in your off time? Tell us about your family.
My family consists of my wife Jenel, my daughter Moon and two cats. Our daughter is 6 years old and usually my time off is spent at her Taekwondo, Gymnastics, or Hula classes. We also love to hang at the beach with our friends.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I have actually travelled to every state in the US.
MEET Tony Jones
What made you want to volunteer for a committee position with HWEA?
Since I started working in the Hawaii water industry in 2015 I have been able to participate in a variety of professional organizations. HWEA has impressed me by providing a tremendous value to all the members – the Pacific Water Conference, Lua Line, Professional Development Activities, etc. They all provide practical training, education and networking opportunities between all aspects of the industry. I want to be a part of making the experiences!
How would you like to see the HWEA grow?
Water and Wastewater concerns have never been more important to the citizens of Hawaii. We are in a unique position to help bridge the gap between government, industry and the public with our public outreach efforts.
How did you get involved in the water industry and how has your career evolved?
My very first project in the Air Force was a wastewater treatment facility in Galena, Alaska. Over the years I was a part of many projects on military installations but I really became excited after I left the Air Force and was able to join the KKTunnel team. The technical complexity and sophistication of a major metropolitan utility is fascinating and I learn more every day!
What do you like most about the water industry?
One of my favorite things is educating friends and family about what happens behind the tap and toilet. Every person I discuss our industry with is blown away by how complex the industry has become!
Let’s talk a little about HWEA. How did you become a member and, in your opinion, what are some benefits of membership?
I think Emily Dong talked me into becoming a member! She is very persuasive. The best benefits are the networking opportunities like the PWC and the Biosolids Conference we are planning on hosting this September!
Do you have a favorite memory of your time in HWEA? My first PWC was a great experience.
Usually you get valuable information in about 30% of your time at conferences,but the PWC was so practical and accessible I was hooked.
Tell us a little about your hobbies. What do you enjoy in your off time? Tell us about your family.
Well, when not reading engineering textbooks (LOL) I keep busy with my two sets of twins – two just graduated and two juniors in high school. I also enjoy scale modeling, tabletop gaming and whatever new streaming show my wife picks for us to binge!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am dedicated to golfing at least once a year whether I need it or not. Thank you PWC golf tournament!