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EPA recognizes environmental efforts

Two Hawaii residents and a Honolulu group have received awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts last year to protect and preserve the environment. They were among more than two dozen organizations and individuals throughout the Pacific Southwest recognized at the agency's 10th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco. The Hawaii winners:

» Baseyard Hawaii, a program of the Nanakuli Housing Corp. that distributes reusable surplus construction materials to families, schools and nonprofit groups. Since 2001, Baseyard Hawaii has kept nearly 1,000 tons of reusable materials from the landfill and "serves as a nexus for community-based environmental stewardship," the EPA said.

» Debbie Gowensmith, Hawaii program director, Community Conservation Network, a 3-year-old nonprofit network that helps groups form youth activities, educational programs and beach patrols to protect natural resources.

» Richard H. Maruya, of Kaneohe, is an engineer recognized for innovative research and raising awareness about the use of hydrocarbons in refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. He is working to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon-based product. All flammable refrigerants, including hydrocarbons, now are unacceptable by the EPA for use in refrigeration and air conditioning.

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