EPA to honor Kokua Hawaii Foundation as a Hawaii environmental hero Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, founder also honored

SAN FRANCISCO – During the agency’s ninth annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri will present a plaque to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and its founder Jack Johnson in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the Hawaii environment in 2006.

“These organizations have applied creativity, teamwork and leadership in addressing many of the Pacific’s most sensitive and complex environmental challenges,” Nastri said. “Thanks to their efforts, our air, water and land will be cleaner and safer for generations to come. The winners set an example for all of us to follow.”

Singer-songwriter and Grammy-award nominee recording artist Jack Johnson’s has made an impact in Hawaii for promoting environmentally-conscious music, enterprises and charitable events, working through the Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Johnson grew up on the North Shore of Oahu and founded the non-profit organization to support environmental education programs in Hawaii. All proceeds from the annual Kokua Festival event are used to support and expand school recycling on Oahu, sponsor field trips and environmental curriculum, and develop a farm-to-school program.

The Kokua Festival for Earth Day includes a booths showcasing local organic food and beverages, earth-friendly products and services, alternative energy demonstrations, interactive games and crafts for kids, and information about Hawaii environmental groups.

The Kokua Festival aims to reduce its environmental impact by off-setting the festival’s emissions, running generators and festival vehicles on bio-diesel, recycling, using biodegradable concession ware, and offering eco-friendly merchandise including reusable totes, bottles, and organic cotton clothing. Participants are encouraged to make an ’Earth Day Resolution’ to reduce their environmental impact leading up to the festival and throughout the year.

The EPA Region 9 Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands and tribal lands. Thirty nine groups and individuals were selected from more than 160 nominees received this year from businesses, media, local, state and federal government officials, tribes, environmental organizations and citizen activists.