Contact: Russell Nanod
(808) 668-2985 / (808) 479-5140

Waste Management of Hawaii Sponsors Scenic Hawaii's Annual Betty Crocker Landscape Awards

Love of the Land Results in Recognition and Preservation of Paradise

Kapolei, HI, July 3, 2008 – Waste Management of Hawaii recently donated $1,000 to support Scenic Hawaii, becoming a third-year platinum sponsor for the 2008 Betty Crocker Landscape Awards. The Betty Crocker Landscape Awards recognize those who have worked passionately toward promoting and preserving the beauty of Hawaii.

“Betty Crocker devoted more than thirty years to protecting and preserving Hawaii’s natural beauty. The Awards were created in her honor, to recognize and acknowledge passionate people who share her goals and dedication,” said Cicely George, president of Scenic Hawaii. “Contributions from generous sponsors like Waste Management of Hawaii help make the program possible.”

This year, Waste Management of Hawaii presented the Legacy Award, the program’s highest honor, to Lester Chang, director of parks and recreation for the City and County of Honolulu, on behalf of the City’s Kapiolani Park. Other top winners for this year’s awards include:

Award of Excellence

  • Private Gardens – Tagami and Powell Hawaii; Residence of Mary Philpotts and John McGrath; Hilary Wright, Kitchen Garden

  • Xeriscape Gardens – Erickson Garden; Watanabe Garden

  • Community Gardens – Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate School; Brian Yamase and the Town Square in Waimea

  • Professional Gardens – Nicholi Residence, Ala Moana Center, Manoa Heritage Center
Volunteer of the Year - Brian Yamase

Legacy Award - Kapiolani Park

“Keeping Hawaii clean and beautiful is important to us and Waste Management is always looking for ways to improve the quality of our earth, air and water,” said Joe Whelan, general manager of Waste Management of Hawaii. “Last year, we spent more than $100,000 on our landscaping efforts at Waimanalo Gulch, so it is an honor to join our resources with organizations like Scenic Hawaii who have a similar vision.”

In addition to continued landscaping efforts across the state and North America, Waste Management landfills as a whole provide more than 17,000 acres of protected habitat for wildlife, 33 of which are certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.

Scenic Hawaii promotes and carries out programs to protect and enhance Hawaii’s natural beauty, as well as preserves the local landscapes and streetscapes. Its annual Betty Crocker Landscape Awards celebrate those who work every day to make Hawaii a more beautiful place through landscaping and gardening. Awards of Excellence are presented to: private gardens, to honor backyard gardeners; xeriscape gardens, that emphasize the use of plants that require less water than traditional plantings; community gardens or public spaces that are developed and maintained by volunteer groups and community organizations; and professional gardens that are seen or used by the public.

Waste Management of Hawaii operates Waimanalo Gulch, West Hawaii and Kekaha Landfills as an integral part of each county’s solid waste management infrastructure. The facilities handle municipal solid waste, which is heavily regulated, monitored and controlled by local, state and federal government agencies. In addition to its community contributions and significant volunteer efforts, Waste Management of Hawaii provides a benefit to the local economy of more than $2.9 million annually. For more information of how we “think green,” visit www.keepinghawaiiclean.com.



Return to Press Index