As part of their continuous outreach to engage youth in North and South Kohala in positive and fun-filled activities, the Hawaii Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing section has announced a free Keiki Fishing Derby from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, at Pua Ka ‘Ilima ‘O Kawaihae Surf Park at Kawaihae Harbor.
This catch-and-release derby is part of the Hawaii Police Activities League (HIPAL) initiative and is exclusive to North and South Kohala residents ages 5 to 18.
“Summer is a time for fun, but it’s also a critical period when young people can either strengthen their futures or risk damaging them,” Community Police Officer Ansel Robinson said in a press release. “This fishing derby is a chance for keiki to have fun with police officers while learning about sustainable fishing.”
Registration is open now through Friday, June 30. The registration forms and liability waivers are available for pickup and dropoff at the South Kohala Police Station, 67-5185 Kamamalu St. in Waimea.
Deadline to register is June 30, and participation is limited to the first 100 registrants.
Fishing poles will be provided. However, participants are also welcomed to bring their own. For safety reasons, all keiki must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.
Every registered participant will be rewarded with a prize, reinforcing the positive elements of participation and sportsmanship.
In addition, participants staying until the end of the event will have the opportunity to win additional prizes in the Friends of First Responders raffle. Those interested in supporting this cause can contact Friends of First Responders at (808) 896-6670.
For more information, please contact Officers Ansel Robinson or Justin Cabanting of South Kohala Community Policing at (808) 887-3080.