MIAMI -- Mayor Mufi Hannemann has been presented with the 2008 Mayors Climate Protection Award for Outstanding Achievement, in recognition of Honolulu's 21st Century Ahupua'a environmental protection program.

The US Conference of Mayors presented the award Friday at the group's 76th Annual Meeting, held this year in Miami, where Hannemann spoke about the need to support the arts and the travel industry.

Honolulu was one of four large U.S. cities to receive the award, according to a news release from the mayor's office.

The city was praised for its Sustainability Plan, the "nuts and bolts" application of the principals outlined earlier by the Mayor's Vision for the 21st Century Ahupua'a. The document is the first comprehensive sustainability plan developed with full participation of all affected city departments, according to the news release. It sets ambitious goals over a ten year time frame and identifies specific programs, responsibilities and methods for measuring progress.

"We must benefit from the wisdom of our Polynesian ancestors combined with the technological innovations of today to make our island home sustainable and self sufficient for future generations," Hannemann said.