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Waste Management of Hawaii Donates $15,000 to Kekaha Elementary School on Kauai

Students and Teachers to Benefit from Donation

Kapolei, Hawaii, August 13, 2007 - Waste Management of Hawaii announced a $15,000 contribution to Kekaha Elementary School on Kauai. The funds will go toward the school's Technology Enhanced Project Based Learning and "It's All About Kids" programs, which will in turn help alleviate some of the burden placed on teachers who very often purchase needed supplies with their own money to avoid having to deal with the lengthy and complicated procurement process.

"This is the largest contribution Waste Management has made in the state of Hawaii and we are proud it is in support of the students and teachers at Kekaha Elementary School," said Dave Jappert, general manager of Waste Management of Hawaii. "We understand the value of these types of programs and the sacrifices many teachers make to ensure they are available to students. This donation will allow teachers to focus on instruction without worrying about funding."

"On behalf of the Kauai Complex Area Department of Education, I would like to extend our gratitude and aloha to Waste Management of Hawaii for their generous donation," said Bill Arakaki, Kauai Complex Area Superintendent. "Waste Management's investment in our children cultivates future leaders of tomorrow."

Project-based learning is a rigorous and engaging strategy through which students learn and apply essential academic concepts. Language arts, math, science, and technology standards are integrated into interest-based projects that are relevant to students.

The "It's All About Kids" program is an on-line supplemental education service that has proven to be a highly engaging tool through which students can hone their skills in language arts, math, and science. Students take an initial pre-test and, based on the assessment results, are assigned modules tailored to their learning needs.

In early February, Jeff Kaohi, district manager of the Kekaha Landfill approached Carol Shikada, the former principal at Kekaha Elementary School, to explore ideas for Waste Management to support the local elementary school. What resulted from that meeting was a decision to provide financial assistance that will directly enhance the quality of education for the 250 students who attend Kekaha Elementary School.

Like Waste Management of Hawaii, Inc., the students and teachers at Kekaha Elementary School care about natural Hawaii's resources, strive to find "big solutions" to the challenges, and continually look for ways to use their knowledge and experience for the greater good. This partnership will help Kekaha Elementary achieve its mission of providing students with the tools and resources needed to actively engage in service and in learning. This donation also supports the ideals that Waste Management of Hawaii upholds; and is only the beginning of a more comprehensive partnership.

Waste Management of Hawaii has operated Waimanalo Gulch Landfill as an integral part of the City & County of Honolulu's solid waste management infrastructure for more than 20 years. The facility is permitted to handle municipal solid waste, which is heavily regulated, monitored and controlled by local, state and federal government agencies. The facility's staff includes 31 full-time employees, many of whom are active in the local community. In addition to its community contributions and significant volunteer efforts, Waste Management provides a benefit to the local economy of more than $1 million annually. To learn more about Waste Management's commitment to the beautification of the islands, visit www.keepinghawaiiclean.com.


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