Stuart Coleman, an author, activist and teacher, has been named as The Surfrider Foundation's first Hawaiian Islands field coordinator.

Coleman will be in charge of promoting key environmental programs and increasing membership. Coleman also will help coordinate communication among the foundation's Hawai'i chapters during the promotion of its Rise Above Plastics Campaign, which seeks to reduce the amount of plastic bags, bottles and debris that ends up in the ocean.

Coleman is the author of "Eddie Would Go" and the upcoming book, "Fierce Heart." He and the foundation's O'ahu chapter have worked with other environmental groups to help protect Sunset Beach, Waimea Valley and Kakaako Waterfront Park.