Paddler and environmental activist Donna Kahiwaokawailani Kahakui received a $7,000 award in Montreal yesterday for her years of advocacy work, and pledged to use the money to help buy a canoe for at-risk kids.

The canoe would be used to travel to Mokauea Island, in Ke'ehi Lagoon. Kahakui and others are trying to clean up the island, one of the last fishing villages in the state. She wants to buy three canoes, which cost about $15,000, so at-risk kids can participate in the cleanup.

Kahakui won first place for the United States in the Women of the Earth Awards from Yves Rocher natural cosmetics.