AWARDS

Congratulations to the 2025 AWWA Hawaii Section Award Recipients!
Please congratulate them when you see them!

See Past Awardees at https://hiawwa.org/past-award-winners.

2025 George Warren Fuller Award Recipient

KEN KAWAHARA

The AWWA Hawaii Section is excited to announce Ken Kawahara as this year’s Fuller Awardee. The George Warren Fuller Award is presented annually to a member who has demonstrated distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of George Warren Fuller for sound engineering skill, brilliant diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership.

Ken is currently serving as the AWWA Hawaii Section’s Director. He has held a number of positions in the AWWA Hawaii Section over the years and has been an advocate for getting young professionals involved with the organization.

Ken is President of the local engineering firm Akinaka & Associates, Ltd. He has experience working in both the public and private sectors having served as the Deputy Director for the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water Resource Management and working at City and County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services, Gentry Homes, R.M. Towill, and M&E Pacific.

Ken is a proud alumnus of the Pacific Century Fellows Program and is active in many organizations including ACEC, APWA, ASCE, AWWA, HWEA, University of Hawaii (UH) College of Engineering Dean’s Council, and UH College of Engineering Alumni Association to name a few.

Our Hawaii Section is grateful to Ken for his dedication to the water industry, and we look forward to celebrating with him when he received his award at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition in Denver this summer. Congrats Ken!§

By Susan Mukai ~ AWWA-HI Secretary

Past and Present Fuller Award Recipients: 2019 Joanna Seto, 2013 Daryl Hiromoto, 2004 Raymond Matasci, 2016 Ross Kaneko, 2007 Susan Uyesugi, 2025 Ken Kawahara, 1987 Robert Akinaka, 2009 Elson Gushiken, 2023 Dean Nakano, 2012 Jon Muraoka

The Nomination Form for the 2026 Fuller Award can be downloaded here.

2025 Special Recognition Award Recipients

KAWIKA UYEHARA & JEREMY KIMURA

The Special Recognition Award honors members who have dedicated their time and efforts in service to the AWWA-HI Section over the past year. Congratulations to this year’s awardees, Kawika Uyehara and Jeremy Kimura!

By Lorna Heller ~ Awards Committee Chair & AWWA-HI Past Chair

2025 Outstanding Section Member Recipients

GLENN AH YAT & MICHAEL MIYAHIRA

The Outstanding Member Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the progress and well-being of the AWWA-HI Section but have not been previously recognized. This year’s awardees are Glenn Ah Yat and Michael Miyahira!

By Lorna Heller ~ Awards Committee Chair & AWWA-HI Past Chair

L-R: Glenn Ah Yat with Lorna Heller (presenting)

2025 Scholarship Award Recipients

JOEL LEE

Joel is the son of AWWA member Daniel Lee. Joel is a Freshman at University of Hawaii, Manoa, currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering, concentration in Aerospace. During his high school years, Joel was part of the Falcon Band program as a Section Leader for the trumpet and mellophone sections. Joel has also participated for many years on the tennis team, always striving to do his best. He is grateful for the support of his family and aspires to be able to pay them back one day for everything they did for him. He believes this scholarship will help him achieve his goal to graduate college and have a career he can be proud of.

SHELBY KAU

Shelby is the daughter of AWWA member Brian Kau. Shelby is a Sophomore at University of Hawaii, Manoa, currently majoring in Science in Biology with a final goal of Pharmaceuticals. Shelby is projecting to receive an undergraduate degree in 2027 and then proceed to Pharmacy school at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. In addition to a full-time schedule, which consist of 15-19 credits per semester, Shelby also works two part time jobs. During her free time, Shelby enjoys creating artwork and listening to music with her family and friends.

SETH HELLER

Seth is the son of AWWA Member Lorna Heller. Seth is a Sophomore at San Jose State University, currently majoring in the Science of Biology, with a goal to pursue a career in healthcare. Seth’s desire to pursue medicine stems from growing up on Oahu and experiencing the Aloha Spirit. He strives to reach his education and career goals and have a chance to give back to the community that has shaped him. During his sophomore year he continues to participate in the Vegan Club and as a Student at Large for the Student Government. He plans to delve into water disease research while leading the Pre-Physical Therapy Club as President.

The above recipients were awarded the AWWA student scholarships during the Pacific Water Conference Awards Lunch on February 6, 2025. Congratulations to all three recipients!§

By Shaun Yoshizawa and Ken Ota ~ Scholarship Committee Chairs

Last Updated: 03/24/2025_JS