surf-riders-life-time-achievemnt-award-with-rep-cynthia-thielenThe Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

At the 14th annual John Kelly Awards in the beautiful Waimea Valley, each year the O‘ahu Chapter hosts this memorable event to honor the legacy of John Kelly, the founder and leader of Save Our Surf (SOS), and to highlight important work.  The theme this year was built on a national campaign called Long Live the Beach.

For the Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2016 year’s winner is Cynthia Thielen, who has been fighting for the environment for decades.  As an attorney, Thielen helped stopped the bombing of Kaho’olawe.  As representative for Kailua in the State Capitol, she has been a strong ally in the fight for renewable energy, coastal protection and preservation of our natural environment.