Kokua Hawaii Wins Environmental Award

Receiving an honor from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is becoming an annual affair for Kokua Hawaii Foundation. The North Shore-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.

Founded 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 its ‘AINA in Schools (farm-to-school nutrition and stewardship education) and Plastic Free Hawaii (initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in Hawaii), but KHF also facilitates community grants and school recycling drives.

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

KHF-sponsored community recycling drives are planned from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday (Sept. 27) at Kahuku High and Intermediate, and Oct. 25 at Sunset Beach Elementary School. For more information, visit kokuahawaiifoundation.org.