EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri will present a plaque to Johnson at the agency's ninth annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco. The EPA Region 9 Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawai'i, Pacific Islands and tribal lands. Thirty nine groups and individuals were selected from more than 160 nominees.

"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."

Johnson, a Grammy-award nominee recording artist, has made an impact in Hawai'i for promoting environmentally conscious music, enterprises and charitable events, working through the Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

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

The Kokua Festival for Earth Day — set for this weekend at the Waikiki Shell — 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.