Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Hawaii
PJKK Federal Building (808) 541-2850
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100 FAX (808) 541-2958
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2008
"EPA Recognizes Hawaii's U.S. Attorney for Operation E Ola Pono"
The United States Attorney's Office announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Hawaii's U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo with an Appreciation Award for his outstanding contributions to the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes in the State of Hawaii.
The award was presented to Kubo by Granta Nakayama, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Wayne Nastri, EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator, Fred Burnside, EPA Director of Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training, and Nick Torres, EPA Special Agent in Charge, who oversees federal environmental investigations in Hawaii.
Kubo has spearheaded the successful statewide initiative entitled "Operation E Ola Pono," which emphasizes collaboration with county, state and federal agencies in the enforcement of environmental laws in Hawaii. As a result, Hawaii has become one of the most active states in the Nation in investigating and prosecuting major environmental crimes this year.
"I am honored by this national recognition of our mission to make Hawaii an environmentally safer place for our families and communities," Kubo said. "I remain strongly committed toward preserving the beauty and safety of our State."
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