Honolulu EMS Staff Rescued Family During March Floods, Receive Awards
Sixteen employees were honored at the Blaisdell Center for their work during severe storms and their contributions to community health programs.
By Ariana Flores ·
Sixteen employees of the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services department received recognition for their actions during the historic Kona low storms of March 2026 and for their long-term service to the city. Mayor Rick Blangiardi presented the awards at a ceremony held today at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.
The department presented its Valor Awards to four personnel who responded to a house on the verge of collapse during the storm. Paramedic Will Batalon and Emergency Medical Technician Alexis De Costa entered the severely flooded home alongside two officers from the Honolulu Police Department. They rescued a family of seven, consisting of three adults and four children, and transported them to safety in a police vehicle.
EMS District Chief Julie Watanuki and Emergency Medical Technician Rodney Williams responded using a high-water rescue vehicle. They took the family to a nearby emergency room, where medical staff treated them for hypothermia before releasing them from care.
Mayor Blangiardi stated that the staff members represent the best of public service. He noted that the rescue of the family demonstrated the courage and professionalism the team brings to difficult circumstances. He added that these individuals find new ways to strengthen the EMS system and improve care for Oahu residents.
Korey Chock, the department's Assistant Chief of Professional Standards, received the Manager of the Year Award. He established the first EMT Academy on Oahu's leeward coast. Chock also helped the department use data to evaluate resource allocation and identify service gaps across the island.
Jon Kurosu, an EMS District Chief with 25 years of experience, received the Employee of the Year Award. He leads the newly established MH-3 program, which provides intervention for individuals experiencing homelessness. Under his leadership, the program has connected vulnerable individuals with medical care and support services.
Anthony Young and four training supervisors received Exceptional Achievement Awards for operating the leeward coast EMT Academy. The academy held its first class this spring at the Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and graduated nine EMTs. Kathy Higa and Jackie Hilea also received the award for organizing the Mass Casualty Incident Conference over the past three years. Jeff Zuckernick, Frank Gregorio, and Molly Swanson were honored for their coordinated response to a patient and a relative with a disability who required medical attention.
