Surfrider Honors Environmental Leaders at the 8th Annual John Kelly Awards
The Surfrider Foundation's Oahu Chapter hosted its 8th annual John Kelly Environmental Achievement Awards on November 13th, an evening to honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to protect and enhance Oahu's coastal community and environment. The award ceremony is held in memory of John Kelly, one of Hawaii's greatest surfers and environmental activists of all time, who passed away in 2007. He was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Decorated in a sea of blue, Waimea Valley's Pavilion hosted over 300 activists and supporters who enjoyed dinner, a silent auction, and live music. Surfrider volunteer Rob Barreca opened the evening followed by local acts Paula Fuga, and Jive Nene.
Former Lifetime Achievement Award winners Peter Cole and Larry McElheny were in attendance to pay tribute to this year's winners, along with artist Bill Braden and local musician Jack Johnson of Brushfire Records. To the delight of guests, Jack Johnson joined Paula Fuga on stage for an impromptu jam session.
This year's John Kelly Award recipients joined by winners of years' past. (back row left to right) Peter Cole, Larry McElheny, Colleen Kelly, Duane DeSoto, Laurie Carlson, Mark Cunningham, Katye Killebrew, Jack and Kim Johnson. (front row left to right) Bill Braden, Stuart Coleman, Marvin Heskett, Tim Tybuszewski.
Lifeguard and world champion bodysurfer Mark Cunningham graciously accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and leadership with the Defend Oahu Coalition and the Junior Lifeguard Program. Mark has worked tirelessly to preserve the North Shore and stop the Turtle Bay Resort's immense expansion plans. His efforts came to fruition this year when the State Supreme Court announced its requirement for the resort to do a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement before expanding their property.
The Honolulu Weekly received the Environmentally Friendly Local Company Award for their excellent coverage of environmental issues on Oahu. The publisher and editors of the Weekly continually carry out excellent research and in-depth reporting to keep citizens informed and help protect Oahu's environment and coastlines.
Oxbow ASP Longboard World Champion surfer Duane DeSoto accepted the Professional Surfer Award for his dedication to Na Kama Kai, a program he founded which offers ocean awareness and safety classes to children around the island. Upon receiving his award, Duane spoke of the importance of teaching younger generations to respect and take care of the ocean and ?aina.
Proceeds from the event, which also served as the official kickoff party for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing contest, will go towards Surfrider Oahu's projects and campaigns such as Rise Above Plastics, an initiative to educate the public about the dangerous effects of plastic marine debris on sea birds, marine mammals and the environment.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches through Conservation, Activism, Research and Education (CARE). Originally founded in 1984 by a group of visionary surfers, the Surfrider Foundation is now in its 26th year and has grown to more than 50 chapters and 70,000 members. The Oahu Chapter has been busy working on issues of beach access, water quality, coastal preservation and plastic marine debris. For more information about Surfrider and the John Kelly Awards, please visit www.surfrider.org/oahu.
