NAWC Honors John “Kani” Kadowaki with the 2024 Living Water Award at Annual Water Summit

PHILADELPHIA- The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is proud to announce John "Kani" Kadowaki of Hawaii Water Service as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Living Water Award. The announcement was made by NAWC President and CEO Rob Powelson during the second day of the NAWC Water Summit.

Kadowaki's exceptional leadership during the Lahaina Fire in August 2023 has earned him this honor. Amidst the catastrophic wildfires, Kani led a small, dedicated team to maintain a safe and reliable water supply for firefighters, hotels, stranded tourists and displaced locals. His efforts were instrumental in preventing boil water advisories and water outages in the Ka'anapali and Kapalua service areas, which proved crucial in the fire containment efforts.

Despite facing personal challenges during the crisis, Kani's positive leadership and unyielding commitment to his community shone through. His team's tireless work ensured the water system remained operational and safe, underscoring his dedication to service.

"John exemplifies the spirit of the Living Water Award, showcasing resilience, dedication and leadership in the face of adversity. We are honored to celebrate his contributions," said Powelson.

NAWC congratulates Kani for his remarkable achievements and his unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaii.