The Hawai‘i Senate recognized Puamakamae DeSoto for her vast accomplishments at such a young age. Puamakamae, age 12, is the youngest person to receive the Waterwoman of the Year honor at the 2018 Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic.
She received the highest overall combined score of any female at the event after competing in seven events at the contest, including the alaia shortboard and SUPsquatch divisions. Puamakamae is also on the honor roll at ‘Iolani School, a published poet and photographer, and a volunteer at Nā Kama Kai’s Ocean Clinics every month. She follows in the footsteps of other waterwomen from the West Side of O‘ahu, and her contributions to ocean culture and the community inspire and remind us of how the ocean empowers our youth and adults alike.