MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii linemen in previous mainland competitions. Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Electric Company

The first Hawaii Lineman’s Rodeo will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island. It is sponsored by a partnership of the Hawaiian Electric companies and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260.

Linemen are electrical workers who construct and maintain electric utility overhead poles and wires and underground cables. A lineman’s rodeo is a friendly competition among electric utility and contractor teams to highlight safety, skill and education in overhead electric work. Teams of three experienced line workers or apprentices compete in a “hurt man” rescue, pole climbing and other simulated challenges these trained professionals may face. More information is available at www.hawaiilinemanrodeo.com.

Admission will be free. Residents and visitors are invited to watch the competition and enjoy a day of family fun at a community fair. In the spirit of helping others, those who wish are encouraged to bring donations to benefit the Big Island Food Basket and Toys for Tots. Non-perishable foods and new or near-new toys will be collected at the event.

Local food and craft vendors and community organizations are invited to set up booths in the “county fair” atmosphere and local singers and dancers are invited to entertain. To learn more about these opportunities contact info@hawaiilinemanrodeo.com or (808) 543-5809.

Hawaii linemen in previous mainland competitions. Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Electric Company

IBEW 1260 has promoted the event through other union locals to welcome teams from the West Coast as well as Hawaii.

“Hawaii’s first Lineman’s Rodeo will be a great learning and training opportunity for linemen throughout the state and will build relationships among utilities and contractors throughout the country. These utility workers may one day do critical work side by side in response to emergencies and natural disasters here or elsewhere,” said Jay Ignacio, Hawaii Electric Light Company president. “It will also be a great community event for our customers and friends on the Big Island.

“Working closely with the Hawaii County parks department, HELCO will be able to make improvements to the park to be enjoyed by future park users,” Ignacio said.

Hawaii linemen in previous mainland competitions. Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Electric Company

“Hawaii teams have competed in mainland lineman’s rodeos in the past but participation was limited because of travel costs. A rodeo in the middle of the Pacific is an opportunity for more line workers from Hawaii to participate and gain from the experience of competing with peers from all parts of the country,” Ignacio said. “And many people will be able to observe the line worker’s tremendous skills up close for the first time.”

“With over 40 teams participating in the event, Hawaii Island will benefit with additional visitors to our hotels, restaurants and businesses as well as promotion of Hawaii Island as a premier visitor destination. The cost of the event will be covered by sponsorships and participant fees, so we are getting huge value at no cost to our customers.” Ignacio said.

Hawaii Lineman’s Rodeo Schedule
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Old Kona Airport
6:45 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Judge’s Meeting
8 a.m. National Anthem
8:30 a.m. Start of Competition
Apprentice Quiz
Activities:
Food Booths, Arts & Craft Vendors, Bounce Houses, Rock-Wall-Climbing, Face Painting, Live Entertainment
2 p.m. End of Competition
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Awards Banquet at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel