HONOLULU –The Hawaii National Guard will be recognized at a special presentation during the Hawaii State legislative session beginning at noon Monday. Various units of the Hawaii Air and Army National Guard are being recognized for their efforts during three natural disasters that occurred in Hawaii over the past three years.

"I know of many Hawaii National Guard members who go above and beyond the call of duty to support efforts in response to incidents that affect our state," Rep. K. Mark Takai said.

"Our state and its residents owe a debt of gratitude to these fine airmen and soldiers," he added.

The Hawaii Air and Army National Guard supported disaster relief efforts following the Kaloko Dam breach on Kaua'i in March 2006, the Big Island earthquakes in October 2006 and the high winds that struck Maui in December 2007.

Various efforts by the Hawaii Air and Army National Guard in response to these disasters included: the movement of large water pumps from the Big Island to Kauai to divert dam pressure, the insertion of a back hoe in the Honokane Nui Valley on the Big Island to restore water flow, and the removal of 144 tons of debris from Maui.

Through the collaborative efforts of the National Guard and the counties of Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i, the state was able to recover quickly from these events. Those efforts enabled state and local authorities on those islands to restore critical functions and facilitate recovery, Takai said.

"These actions are never done for recognition, but it is great for these units to be recognized for all the hard work that they do. We are very proud of their achievements," Takai said.