County of Maui photos / Mia A'i

County of Maui employees gathered earlier this week to remember and pay tribute to Tremaine Balberdi and Kathleen Kern on the front lawn of Kalana O Maui in Wailuku.

Kathleen Kern, a county of Maui planner with the planning department’s long range division, and Tremaine Balberdi, a county of Maui secretary to boards and commissions, perished Feb. 26, 2014, in a plane crash on Lana’i after participating in a meeting for the Lana’i Community Plan.

The 10-year memorial included a pule by Kahu Wayne Higa, a moment of silence and shared memories from family, friends and colleagues.

Kathleen dedicated her career to designing communities that put people first. She was known as an impassioned advocate for creative planning and citizen engagement.

Tremaine was unendingly gracious and her welcoming hospitality was a gift to all who encountered her. She truly brought out the best in everyone.

The county continues to honor their lives, their loved ones and their work.

County of Maui photos / Mia A’i