MEO Employee of Month drove passengers out of Lahaina fires
The Maui Economic Opportunity executive team honored paratransit driver John Miyamoto for being named Employee of the Month. Shown are (from left) Cliff Caesar, Chief Human Resources Officer; Debbie Cabebe, CEO; John; Patty Copperfield, Transportation Director; and Gay Sibonga, COO. This photo was taken Dec. 18 on Lumberjack Day at MEO. — MEO photo
Maui Economic Opportunity paratransit driver John Miyamoto earned Employee of the Month honors for October for driving his passengers to safety in Lahaina on Aug. 8. — MEO photo
The Maui Economic Opportunity executive team honored paratransit driver John Miyamoto for being named Employee of the Month. Shown are (from left) Cliff Caesar, Chief Human Resources Officer; Debbie Cabebe, CEO; John; Patty Copperfield, Transportation Director; and Gay Sibonga, COO. This photo was taken Dec. 18 on Lumberjack Day at MEO. — MEO photo
Maui Economic Opportunity paratransit driver John Miyamoto earned Employee of the Month honors for October for driving his passengers to safety in Lahaina on Aug. 8. — MEO photo
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Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month, paratransit driver John Miyamoto, calmly navigated the blocked streets of Lahaina away from the wildfires and drove his handful of passengers with disabilities to safety on the afternoon of Aug. 8.
"He saved lives that day and for this l believe John deserves to be Employee of the Month," said his nominator, who remained anonymous.
"As we all know, the fire spread rapidly -- without warning and without a way for people to make plans to evacuate," his nominator said. "Through his quick thinking, his ability to stay calm and keep his composure, he safely made his way out of Lahaina, saving the lives of his passengers on board, as well as his own life."
John drove down a deserted Front Street before it was destroyed and encountered flames along the way. He used his knowledge of the area and eight years of experience as an MEO bus driver to take less congested side roads that led to the safety of the Lahaina Bypass.
His nominator lauded John for his creativity, the ability to provide unique and innovative solutions to challenging situations, and his flexibility, the ability to cope with change to provide successful outcomes -- two critical skills that took his bus, passengers and himself out of harm's way.
For being named Employee of the Month for October, John earned a $150 check and an extra vacation day. He was honored at MEO's General Staff meeting Nov. 27.
MEO operates The Maui Bus Paratransit American Disabilities Act curb-to-curb reservation service. Anyone interested in joining John and the rest of the MEO team as a bus driver can call (808) 243-4310.