Duane DeSoto
Founder & CEO
Professional surfer Duane DeSoto is driven by the powerful advice he received from his father: kulia i ka nu’u – there is only one way to compete in all things – with excellence at your highest level.
Born and raised on the west side of Oahu at Makaha, DeSoto describes his teenage self as passionate and faithful – two attributes that would prove to shape his success in the sport of surfing as well as in his commitment to future public-spirited endeavors. He began traveling the world competing at the age of fifteen and in 2010, he was crowned the World Longboard Champion. On November 13, 2010 in Waimea, DeSoto was honored with the Professional Surfer Award at the 8th Annual John Kelly Environmental Awards for his work in enhancing the coastal community and environment through his organization, Nā Kama Kai.
A father of eight with a passion for education and giving back, DeSoto created Nā Kama Kai (Children of the Sea) – a non-profit organization that brings ocean-based safety and conservation programs directly to Hawaii’s youth.
The mission of the program is to empower children to explore Hawaii values, culture, and environmental education.
In addition to his work with Nā Kama Kai DeSoto first sailed on the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hōkūleʻa in 2012 and continues sailing and engaging with maritime communities across the continents today.
Our Board of Directors
Billy Pratt
Chair
Shawn Murakawa
Secretary
Bud Antonelis
Board Member
Chris Hochuli
Ben Komer
Treasurer
Anita Lopez
Daniel Ito
Adam Wong
Shelee Kimura
Board of Advisors
- Angela Correa-Pei – Attorney at Law
- Rob Iopa – President/WCIT Architecture
- Lydia Mertyris (MBA) – Work Process Leader, HECO
- Brian Keaulana – Professional Waterman
- Scott McPhail – Retired Restaurant Entrepreneur
Key Staff & Volunteers
- Matt Kauwe – Chief Operations Officer
- Maile DeSoto – After School Services Coordinator/Lifeguard
- Micah DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Coordinator/Lifeguard
- Anthony Aurely – Ocean Clinic Coordinator/Lifeguard
- Makamae DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Lifeguard/Ocean Rescue
- Bruce DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Outrigger Canoe Specialist
- Ronald DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Outrigger Canoe Specialist
- Mike Town – Ocean Clinic Outrigger Canoe Specialist
- Scott Demotta – Ocean Clinic First Responder
- Noland Keaulana – Ocean Clinic Coordinator/Lifeguard
- Mike Ito – Nā Kama Kai Photographer
Join the Nā Kama Kai Hui
- Monthly Newsletter including recent highlights and notifications of Nā Kama Kai’s special events and activities
- Knowledge that you are advocating Nā Kama Kai’s efforts in connecting our keiki with the kai (ocean) and nurturing a deep sense of aloha and kuleana
Mahalo to Our Partners
