EPA Lauds Kokua Hawaii Foundation As Dedicated Stewards

Receiving an honor from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is turning into an annual affair for Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

The Kahuku-based organization recently was recognized as a Pacific Southwest region environmental award winner.

“EPA is pleased to honor Kim Johnson and Kokua Hawaii Foundation for increasing environmental awareness and stewardship in our young people,” stated Jared Blumenfeld, U.S. EPA regional administrator.

Established in 2003 by singer Jack Johnson and wife Kim, KHF focuses on promoting environmental education in schools and the community.

The group was specifically lauded for ‘AINA in Schools (farm-to-school nutrition and stewardship education) and Plastic Free Hawaii (an initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in Hawaii), but the foundation also facilitates community grants and school recycling programs. (Foundation-sponsored community recycling drives are planned for this Saturday at Sunset Beach Elementary School and Nov. 15 at Laie Elementary.)

EPA previously recognized KHF as one of its eight 2013 Environmental Champions in the Pacific Southwest region.

For more information, visit kokuahawaiifoundation.org.