MEDIA RELEASE

Children ages seven to 15 are invited to register for a Keiki Fishing Derby to be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Kahaluu Beach Park.

This community event is being organized by the Kahaluu Bay Education Center. Registration and information are available online at www.KeikiFishingDerby.org or at the Kahaluu Bay Education Center at Kahalu‘u Beach Park.

Keiki (children) will have a chance to fish tilapia from Waikuaaala Fishpond at Kahaluu Beach Park, learn about environmental stewardship, and win prizes.

Participants will compete in two age divisions, with keiki ages 7–10 competing at 10 a.m. and ages 11–15 at 11 a.m.

Judges will award prizes to boys and girls in each division in three categories: Most Fish Caught, Biggest Fish Caught, and Best Homemade Fishing Pole.

Prizes will be provided by event sponsors Fair Wind Ocean Guides, Jack’s Diving Locker, Body Glove, Patagonia, and Kona Aquaponics. KWXX-FM, B93 & B97 FM, and KTA Superstores are also event sponsors.

Entrants must make and bring their own homemade bamboo fishing poles. All poles are to be constructed with a bamboo rod, fishing line, and a size 14 barbless hook.

Instructions on how to construct a fishing pole may be found at http://bit.ly/16mCLBu

Participants are encouraged to be creative and decorate their fishing poles. Bait will be provided.

“We thought having a fishing derby in which kids could catch fish and compete for prizes would be a fun way to reduce the pond’s tilapia population, while also connecting kids to the area’s history and ecosystem health,” said Cindi Punihaole, program director of Kahaluu Bay Education Center. “Plus it’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day together at Kahaluu Bay and Beach Park full of fun, family-friendly activities.”

All tilapia caught will go to Kona Aquaponics, which will raise them for food and use their waste to fertilize the aquaponic farm. Daniel Kauth of Kona Aquaponics said he is building a new grow bed just for the fish caught at the derby.

“I believe in helping Kahaluu Bay,” Kauth said, calling it a win-win situation. “It’s a beautiful and important community gathering place, and Kahaluu Bay Education Center’s efforts to protect the bay and bring the park back to its ‘glory days’ are admirable. We’re pleased to be a part of this event, and put the tilapia to good use for the benefit of others.”

Other activities planned for the day include lauhala and coconut frond weaving with Auntie Mele Waikiki, Hawaiian games (konane, palaie and hei), face painting, a visit by Hoagus Boagus Da Clown, and Hawaiian music entertainment.

The event is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to register for the fishing derby. All proceeds will help Kahaluu Bay Education Center.