Palau named MEO employee of the month

Myrlynette "Kaui" Alo Palau, the building custodian who is known to leave a rose at co-workers' desks, was named Maui Economic Opportunity's Employee of the Month for December.

It is Palau's fourth Employee of the Month award since joining MEO in 2002.

"There are many unsung heroes in our midst who are just quietly and humbly doing their own thing," said Janeth Cerizo, who nominated Palau for the award. "For the most part, they remain inconspicuous and are content just being so. But every now and then, they should also be acknowledged for the contribution that they make in our work lives."

Palau is entrusted with the master key to the Wailuku offices and welcomes fellow workers as they arrive for work in the morning. She makes sure the building is cleaned and maintained. Since the onset of the pandemic, Palau also has been responsible for sanitizing surfaces.

For being named Employee of the Month, she earned a $150 check and an extra vacation day. Cerizo received $50 as the nominator.