Why and when did you get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?
Living in the urban Kakaʻako neighborhood, I stumbled upon the Ocean Friendly Garden in the fall of 2020. I started volunteering regularly at the garden and decided that I could serve as the OFG coordinator since I was already spending dedicated time in the space anyway. Surfrider is generally known for its beach cleanups, so it was fun to learn another side of the foundation and be involved in the OFG program.
What are some issues that affect water quality in your community?
The Kakaʻako and Ward neighborhoods surrounding the OFG are rapidly developing with new condos going up every year and more slated to come in the future as well. In this urban setting, runoff is the number one source of pollution. This is very obvious during heavy rain events, where we see standing water on the streets, where pollutants like oil, grease, and trash then drain into our coastal zones, impacting water quality and aquatic life.
How is the Oʻahu Chapter responding to those issues?
Our OFG is actually home to two storm drains where we see and hear the ocean, especially during king tides. We’ve planted shrubs and grasses to help filter urban runoff and clean the water before it enters these drains. It is great that our OFG can not only provide shade and produce, but it also helps reduce and clean runoff before it reaches our oceans. Beyond our OFG, our local BWTF samples water quality islandwide, serving as one of the most reliable sources of information for locals and visitors alike.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
I have enjoyed being a part of Surfrider as it has introduced me to a large network of like-minded people who are passionate about our ocean, waves, and beaches. I have not only made new friends, but have seen the power of partnerships with other local organizations where together we can make a difference and see change in our local communities.
Whether it has been protesting the privatization of free parking at surf breaks in Waikīkī, raising awareness about lead contamination on public shorelines in Puʻuloa, or advocating for open spaces in the urban core of Honolulu, Surfrider has provided a platform to help me make my voice heard.
Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns/issues that you're passionate about where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected? If so, can you tell us about them?
A recent bill proposed to allow high-rise development in Kewalo on land that was formerly a municipal landfill. The soil is known to contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. Development activities, particularly excavation and construction, could potentially disturb these contaminants, leading to air and water pollution and posing health risks to surrounding communities and future residents. Not only that, this is a low-lying coastal area vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, storm surges, and increased flooding due to climate change.
Beyond some of the environmental concerns, there are social justice issues, such as the genuine affordability of any proposed development for the Native Hawaiian population. Building mostly high-end, market-rate units for profit, with some workforce housing with less square footage and fewer amenities, could exacerbate existing socio-economic disparities. Furthermore, high-density development in this popular area for recreation, cultural events, and community gatherings would potentially limit equitable access to public spaces along the waterfront.
Our Surfrider Oʻahu Chapter partnered with Friends of Kewalo to raise public awareness about this bill. By holding rallies, posting social media campaigns, submitting testimony, and attending hearings, together we were able to get this bill deferred for this legislative session. While this is a small victory for 2025, we must be vigilant as other bills are proposed in the future.
Why is being a part of Surfrider important to you?
Professionally, I work for the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, or PacIOOS, where we work to empower ocean users and stakeholders by providing accurate and reliable coastal and ocean information and tools that are easy to access and use. My work to promote a safe, healthy, and productive ocean and resilient coastal zone directly aligns with Surfrider’s mission and the conservation of our coastal zones.
Being part of Surfrider has complemented my role with PacIOOS, and there has been significant overlap between projects and networks. I am privileged to hold a position that I am passionate about to help elevate ocean conservation through data and information with PacIOOS, and campaigns and advocacy with Surfrider.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
Simply put, I always tell people that Surfrider is about protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches. In Hawaiʻi, Surfrider’s advocacy work and grassroots network actively combat plastic pollution, fight for clean water, advocate for beach access, and address threats like coastal development and sea-level rise.
In an island setting, we can be considered “the canary in the coal mine,” as we generally see the impacts of these threats first and firsthand. It is so important to protect and preserve our natural resources in Hawaiʻi, especially since we have such unique native ecosystems and endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Thanks so much for your time, Lauren! Anything else you’d like to add?
I am grateful for the advocacy training I have received through Surfrider. I have gained the skills and the courage to become a more active participant in my local legislation. It has shown me how I can help make a difference in my community on issues that are important to me.