The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recently announced that it would be presenting the Kāko‘o ‘Āina Award to David Okita who has worked with TNC for several decades. In a press release from Nov. 7, TNC said that the award recognizes those who have given valuable support for a significant amount of time to the conservation of Hawai'i.
According to the press release, David Okita, a pilot with over 40 years of collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra (TNC), has been honored with the Kāko‘o ‘Āina Award for his contributions to preserving Hawai‘i Island's watersheds. "Over the course of his career, Okita has played a crucial role in various conservation projects", said TNC. His tasks included transporting researchers and land managers to remote areas, conducting surveys of wildlife and invasive species, delivering materials for building protective fences, and aiding in wildfire management. His perspective from the helicopter allowed him to observe landscape changes such as the decline in native canopy cover and the rise of invasive weed infestations. "Okita also played a role in addressing the introduction of axis deer to Hawai‘i Island in 2009 by assisting in their detection and removal in the early 2010s", said the press release.
Ulalia Woodside Lee, the executive director of TNC’s Hawai‘i and Palmyra Program, praised Okita's efforts. “It is our sincere honor to recognize and celebrate Dave, who has been a trusted and dedicated partner to many who mālama ‘āina", said Lee. She further highlighted Okita's deep knowledge of landscapes and ecosystems coupled with his dedication to Hawai‘i as making an immeasurable contribution to conservation.
TNC’s Kākoʻo ʻĀina Award was established in 2006 according to the press release. The award recognizes individuals and groups for their significant and enduring contributions to conservation in Hawai‘i. Translating to "one who supports the land," the award has previously been given to notable figures such as Jack Jeffrey in 2006, Bill Gilmartin in 2012, and Kuʻulei Keakealani, Leinaʻala Keakealani Lightner, and Hannah Springer in 2015. TNC says that their award presentation features a koʻokoʻo, or staff, meticulously hand-carved by master Hawaiian woodworker Kunāne Wooton.
The Nature Conservancy is a global non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vital lands and waters through science and traditional values according to the release. TNC collaborates on 14 preserves in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll, working with various partners to protect their ecological value and benefits to people.