Activist Spotlight: Hayley Yoshinaga with the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa, Student Club

What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation? 

I am the co-president for the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa Student Club and a member of the National Student Club Leadership Council. 

When and why did you choose to get involved? 

I got involved with Surfrider during my freshman year of college because I wanted to be part of something that made a real difference. My first experience was attending a ‘Shut Down Red Hill’ protest with the chapter, and that moment really inspired me. After that, I started regularly joining beach cleanups and other events. 

Moving to Oʻahu, I felt a strong desire to give back. I truly believe that we should give more than we take, and I wanted to find a way to support the land and ocean that supports me. I've always been passionate about sustainability and environmentalism, and even though I chose to pursue engineering instead of environmental science, I still wanted to stay connected to the environment. Surfrider has been the perfect way for me to stay engaged and make a positive impact. 

What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed? 

Hawai‘i as a whole has faced numerous environmental challenges recently, including issues with water rights and diversion — which played a significant role in the Lāhainā fires — single-use plastic pollution, sea level rise, invasive species, and much more. 

As a club, we work to support efforts that address these problems by writing testimonies and advocating for legislation that promotes sustainability and environmental protection. Through education and community involvement, we aim to raise awareness and push for meaningful change across the islands. 

What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community? 

This past year, we have been actively involved in writing testimonies to support legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics on the island. Plastic pollution is a major issue on many beaches across Oʻahu, and by advocating for these bills, we hope to make a meaningful impact at the state level. 

One of our most impactful projects last semester was our partnership with the Genki Ala Wai Project. We collaborated with their team to help educate the community and create Genki Balls — handmade dirt balls containing Effective Microorganisms® that work like probiotics to remove pollutants from water. The goal is to restore the ecosystem in the Ala Wai Canal, which is known for being extremely polluted and toxic.

We hosted events both on the UH campus and at Mānoa Elementary School. These events brought people together and helped raise awareness about local environmental issues. It was powerful to see the community, especially students, engaged in hands-on work.

This project not only helped improve the health of the Ala Wai but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility and environmental stewardship. A huge amount of credit goes to Hannah McClintock, who played a key role as the coordinator and main point of communication with the Genki Ball team. 

Do you have any personal experiences where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected? 

We strive to create an open space for everyone. We have a diverse group of members and a friendly executive board that makes an intentional effort to help new faces feel included and supported. One way we foster inclusivity is by hosting events at the Loʻi, a kalo (taro) farm that practices traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural methods. These gatherings allow us to connect with Native Hawaiian culture, give back to the land, and show respect for its original stewards. 

We believe that building genuine relationships, showing appreciation for the community, and working together toward shared environmental goals are key to creating an inclusive space. Welcoming everyone with aloha and friendship helps people feel like they truly belong and are part of our Surfrider ʻohana (family).

What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider? 

Surfrider is an incredible community of people who share a deep love for the ocean. Living in a place surrounded by so much water and coastline, it's only right that we do our part to protect it. This island is truly beautiful, and it's our responsibility to preserve that beauty and show respect for the land. 

Being part of Surfrider not only allows us to make a meaningful impact, but also to work alongside some of the most down-to-earth and dedicated people. The UH Surfrider team is full of passionate individuals who truly care about the environment and the community. 

What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?

While I truly enjoy getting my hands dirty at beach cleanups and participating in hands-on environmental work, the greatest highlight of my Surfrider experience has been the incredible community. I'm especially grateful to have attended both Surfrider’s 40th Anniversary Super Summit in Long Beach and the California Conference in Monterey. At these events, I had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring and intelligent individuals who have motivated me to grow, not only as a co-chair of my chapter, but also as a person. 

This past school year has been especially meaningful. We built a full executive board, and I'm beyond thankful to have such passionate, dedicated people on our team. This spring semester has been the most successful one I've experienced since joining Surfrider at UH, and it wouldn't have been possible without every single member of our board and the huge support from the Oʻahu chapter. 

At the beginning of the school year, it was just me and my co-president, Atzin Martinez. We were trying our best to host beach cleanups and find ways to grow our chapter. After attending the Super Summit in Long Beach, we came back energized and full of ideas from Surfrider leaders across the world. That experience inspired us to pour even more into the club's growth, and we were able to build a strong board and create real momentum. 

Since then, we've accomplished so much together — removing over 2,500 pounds of trash, making hundreds of Genki Balls, and reaching more people than ever before through our outreach efforts. None of this would have been possible without the support and hard work of our incredible team. 

I want to give heartfelt thanks to Atzin Martinez, Hannah McClintock, Reagan Claggett, Charlotte Marriott, Audrey Smith, Scott Muhlstein, and Ruby Helmuth. You are a small but mighty team, and your dedication, creativity, and swag have made this year unforgettable. I'm so inspired by each of you and grateful to call you friends. 

Thanks so much Hayley! Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Surfrider has been an incredibly inspiring part of my life. It's deepened my love for the ocean and strengthened my commitment to protecting our environment. As I pursue my degree in mechanical engineering, I hope to apply my skills toward environmental and coastal conservation work in the future. 

After graduation, I'm excited to continue my involvement with Surfrider, especially with the Oʻahu chapter. I truly love this community, and I hope to keep volunteering and contributing for life.