The 2005-2006 recipient of the Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award goes to Merlita Cabauatan of the City & County of Honolulu. Merlita is currently a Sanitary Chemist I assigned to the Leeward Region, primarily at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant. Merlita is essentially in charge of performing all process control analyses required by operations to make process control adjustments. Her pleasing personality and hard working attitude have gained her the respect and full cooperation of the operations and maintenance staff. Merlita also works with City environmental engineers from her division to perform special projects not only for the Honouliuli WWTP, but for the Department as a whole. Because of her willingness to accept jobs, she has become a valuable asset to the organization. She has also served in the facilities safety committee program, and annually serves as one of the instructors in teaching the mandatory Sexual Harassment class.
Merlita is an active member of the HWEA Laboratory Committee, and volunteers her time to organize the laboratory event at the annual Operations Challenge by gathering equipment and supplies necessary for the event. She has also participated as a member of the Honouliuli Operations Challenge team, and has helped to coach the team. She has also participated in past conference presentations, demonstrating laboratory analysis techniques.
Merlita has been very active in various community activities over the years. She serves as committee chair for the Cub Scout Pack 136, which administers and supervises cub scout leaders. She is responsible for all administrative activities necessary to keep the organization functional, including registration, social functions, accounting, classes and fund raising. She has also been very active in her parish, contributing her time to decorate the altar every Sunday. Merlita has also been a PTA member, volunteering for activities such as fund raising, field trip chaperon, social activities, classroom helper, library inventory volunteer, and serving as a driver to transport kids to various educational activities.
Merlita also has a brown belt in karate. Part of her activity besides teaching white belt students is to get involved in humanitarian projects like collecting canned goods for the homeless and donating to the food bank. She also helps coordinate and organize school karate tournaments, such as assembling trophies and keeping score. She has participated in tournaments both locally and on the mainland. As if a day has 48 hours, Merlita also dances hula on weekends and performs free at various venues when requested!
Merlita’s accurate and timely laboratory results have contributed greatly in the efficient and effective operation of the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant. Her willingness to share her knowledge and go “beyond the call of duty” is to be commended. We congratulate Merlita Cabauatan, recipient of the 2005 – 2006 WEF Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award.