The Hawai'i Police Department's Hāmākua District Community Policing Officers have congratulated the participants and winners of the department's Third Annual Back to School Keiki Fishing Derby. The event took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park in Laupāhoehoe. Around 80 young fishing enthusiasts between the ages of 3 and 17 from across the Hāmākua district gathered at the tournament with the goal of catching the heaviest fish of the day. The top four winners from each age group received exciting prizes, and all registered participants were provided with lunch, drinks, shave ice, and a Coca Cola accessory. Lucky number prizes were also awarded to add to the excitement of the day.
The fishing derby was not just about fishing, as it also served as an opportunity for education and outreach. Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) were present at the event to share valuable information and distribute pamphlets on ocean safety and fishing regulations. They emphasized the importance of responsible fishing practices.
The Hawai'i Police Department expressed its gratitude to the individuals, businesses, and organizations that contributed to the success of the event. This included Friends of First Responders, DARE Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation, Hawai‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i County DPW Honoka‘a Roads and Maintenance Division, Honoka‘a High School Athletics, Ho‘omau Keiki Care, Elite Pumping Solutions, Department of Land and Natural Resources, HPM, Hilton Waikoloa, S. Tokunaga Store, Coca Cola, Sack n Save Downtown Hilo, and generous individuals Andrea Young and Christine Coletta.
The Back to School Keiki Fishing Derby is part of the Hawai'i Isle Police Activities League (HI-PAL) program, which aims to foster positive connections between police officers and youth through various activities. The program promotes teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility. Local organizations in the Hāmākua district that are interested in hosting HI-PAL events are encouraged to contact the Hāmākua district police station at (808) 775-7533.