The Surfrider Foundation is celebrating 25 years at the forefront of the environmental and political fight to save beaches and coastlines across the globe from development. They are planning a huge bash in Los Angeles, Calif. where long-time supporter Eddie Vedder will be awarded the prestigious Wave Maker Award.

On the local front, the Koaniani Fund at the Hawai'i Community Foundation has made a $30,000 grant to put in place the first-ever paid staffer in Hawai'i. Triple Crown of Surfing Executive Director Randy Rarick also made a sizeable private donation. Stuart Coleman, the new Hawai'i Islands Field Coordinator and recipient of the full-time position, went right to work to organize another first for local Surfrider chapters, the 2009 Hawai'i Chapter Conference. Up until now, what have been grassroots, local organization and support from island to island will now assume a more coordinated effort to tackle pressing issues of coastal degradation and development.

The Hawai'i Chapter Conference will be held November 14 and 15 at Camp Erdman on Mokule'ia Beach on O'ahu. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact your local Surfrider Foundation chapter.

surfrider.org/oahu
surfrider.org/maui
surfriderkauai.ning.com