Hui o Ko'olaupoko, which developed Kaha Garden using indigenous plants to improve water quality at Kawai Nui Marsh, has been nominated as a finalist for the 2009 Intelligent Use of Water Leadership Award by Rain Bird, an irrigation company.

The award recognizes individuals and organizations for their leadership roles in the management of water.

Five finalists were selected. The winner will receive $10,000 and will be announced Oct. 8 at the WaterSmart Innovation Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas.

The other finalists are Council on the Environment of New York City, Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, Quail Botanical Gardens in California and Queens Botanical Garden in New York.