By Ruby Ayers
Robert Burton is the hero who gets the job done. As the head of the UH Maui College Operations and Management (O&M) Department, he keeps the campus buildings running and the maintenance of the grounds done on a daily basis. Some days he must feel that he needs many arms like an octopus—there is just so much to do.
Burton knows how to deal with emergencies and enormous stress. He remains calm in the most trying of circumstance. “I walk the labyrinth and meditate, I do not take the stress home,” Burton said.
Labyrinth in memory of Lisa Sepa
Burton’s home state is Virginia. He went to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for his bachelor’s degree in horticulture between 1972 and 1976. He graduated from Rider University and received his master’s in administration in 1994. In between his education, Burton had a desire for adventure and signed up with the Peace Corps to work on the South Pacific island of Tonga between 1980 and 1983.
Burton’s first job, after his return to the U.S., was in the horticulture field. “After living and working on the warm island of Tonga,” he said, “I found that it gets really cold working outside during the winter.” It was after he began working for operations and maintenance at a college that he met his beloved Jeanne-Rachel Salomon, who introduced him to labyrinths.
A labyrinth is not a maze (which is similar to a puzzle); it has only one path and is universal. The way into the labyrinth is the way out. It is a contemplative path for respite, stress reduction and self-discovery.
Burton and Salomon eventually moved to the island of Maui in 2005. Burton read a help wanted ad for an Operations and Maintenance person for UH Maui College; he applied for the position and they hired him.
As “The Octopus Guy,” Burton has tentacles that stretch throughout the campus. He must be on top of everything that is happening. “I have seven managers under me,” he said. “I feel confident that if I am gone, the managers can handle whatever happens. I respect and trust in the abilities and wisdom of the people who directly report to me.” He has a high-tech set-up in his office for a command center where he can see the operation of every control in each building from his computer screen.
Robert Burton mowing labyrinth in memory of Lisa Sepa
Burton joined forces with the Sustainable Science Management program and Student Government to brainstorm for simple ways to implement solutions to improve the campus in beneficial and sustainable ways. “We came up with the idea for bottle filling stations, which met this criterion,” Burton said. “The filtered water will keep the community hydrated and reduce the plastic bottle rubbish footprint.”
Three bottle filling stations have been installed in the following buildings: Ho‘okipa, Pilina and the Operations and Maintenance building. The next stations scheduled to be installed will be in the Ka‘a ‘ike, Kupa‘a and Ka Lama Buildings, as well as the library.
Burton said the next stations have been sent out for bid and are planned for installation later this year or early spring. Student Government provided the funds from their budget and UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana provided matching funds. Eventually, there are plans to install more bottle filling stations on campus.
Burton benefits the campus in other ways as well.
“We design and build labyrinths that are for personal and professional growth,” he said. After Lisa Sepa, the head librarian passed away, Burton built a labyrinth on the lawn by the lower level of the library. “It is a memorial to celebrate her life and mourn her passing,” he explained.
Burton maintains it and will continue to do so, as long as the need is there. He brings his lawnmower from home, which is small enough to go between the rows. Burton walked the labyrinth with Sepa’s fellow workers to help them process their grief, find solace and heal.
The Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) Chaplain, Amy Hill Crowe, along with Eve Hogan from The Sacred Garden in Makawao, had introduced the concept of the labyrinth to the Integrative Medicine Committee in 2010. After getting the necessary agreement and support, Crowe was able to move ahead with her desire to have a labyrinth at MMMC.
The labyrinth was designed and painted by Burton and Salomon, who now has her doctorate in natural medicine. The labyrinth, which was dedicated December 6, 2011, is a replica of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France. Because of Burton and Salomon’s kindness, there is now a beautiful center for healing at the hospital.
Burton also has many other passions.
He is a licensed hypnotist and owns Maui Hypnosis. He is also a co-founder of HolonEnergetics, a center for healing mind, body and spirit.
“We practice the art of hypnosis and life coaching, as well as utilize dowsing and ancient shamanic healing techniques to help clients regain control and power in their lives, which will then accelerate healing at all levels of their being,” Burton said. “In a few years, I will be doing this full time, as I move into my third career of ‘refirement’ versus retirement.”
Robert Burton
