Honolulu-based Environmental Waste Management Systems Inc. was honored for the second year in a row by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as its Blue Ribbon Small Business Award recipient.

"Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy, representing more than 99 percent of all employers and creating three-fourths of all new jobs and accounting for more than half of the nation's gross domestic product," said Tom Donohue, chamber president and chief executive officer.

Harold Nagato, president and CEO of Environmental Wastewater Management Systems, Inc., said he was honored to be recognized and surprised to receive the award two years in a row.

"We have all worked hard to make this business a success and I am both proud and humbled by this award," said Nagato.

Environmental Waste Management Systems is the manufacturer and marketer of the ESIS wastewater treatment system that provides safe and environmentally friendly alternative solutions to areas where existing central sewage systems are not available or where septic tanks and cesspools are not allowed.