Dana Okano, Program Director at the Hawai'i Community Foundation, is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for founding the Hawaii Environmental Finance Center and advancing water sustainability in rural Hawaiian communities.

Facing the challenge of limited population bases to fund infrastructure, Okano established the Center to provide technical assistance to agencies and nonprofits, helping them secure federal funding for water projects.

Her leadership has supported diverse initiatives, including upland watershed restoration for aquifer recharge, agricultural master planning for efficient water use, and expanding county wastewater recycling to supply water for hotels and golf courses.

Okano’s work focuses on three key goals: recharging groundwater aquifers, conserving water in existing systems, and expanding water reuse and recycling. Drawing inspiration from Native Hawaiian practices that manage land and water as a holistic system—from mountain rainfall to groundwater and crop irrigation—she integrates these principles to maximize water efficiency before it reaches the ocean.

Beyond infrastructure, Okano is committed to building the future water workforce. She partners with the University of Hawai'i to develop career pathways in water-related fields and collaborates with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network to recruit and place fellows in agencies facing water shortages, fostering the next generation of water professionals.

Dana Okano’s innovative leadership in securing funding, promoting sustainable water practices, and investing in workforce development has earned her a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.