Young Anglers Make a Splash at HI-PAL South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby

Young Anglers Make a Splash at HI-PAL South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby

Fishing poles, smiling faces, and community spirit filled the Pua Ka’ilima ‘O Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park, commonly known as “LST,” on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as 183 keiki participated in the 2026 South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby.

The annual event, now in its fourth year, brought young anglers and their families together for a morning of friendly competition and outdoor fun and community connection. Keiki fished for two hours after which officers weighed and recorded each catch to determine the winners in six age divisions.

Members of the South Kohala Community Policing Section organized the derby with assistance from the Hawai‘i Police Activities League (HI-PAL), and police personnel from North Kohala, Hāmākua, and Kona. Community partners, including the Department of Land and Natural Resources, PATH, Eddie Carvalho, Friends of First Responders, New Hope Kawaihae Church, DARE Hawaii, Waikoloa Lions Club, the Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office, Hawai‘i County Councilman James Hustace, Kohala Car Tow, and many more played an important role in making the event a success.

The festivities continued after the fishing ended. Keiki and their families enjoyed a complimentary lunch featuring hot dogs, chips, snacks, shave ice, and other refreshments. New Hope Kawaihae provided a hydration station with cold water, fresh fruit, and nutritious snacks, while DARE Hawai‘i provided shave ice to help participants cool down after two hours of fishing.

Participants reeled in fish of many shapes and sizes, with several keiki preserving memories of their catches through Gyotaku prints made by Eddie Carvalho. Luck number drawings added to the excitement, with prizes distributed throughout the gathering. Grand prizes included a set of Hilton pool passes for four people, a Kohala Zipline Adventure Tour for two people, and a complete ulua set-up, including an ulua pole, reel, rod holder, and bell.

Fishing Derby Results

Ages 1-5

• 1^st– Lihau Fukuyama
• 2^nd– Hokulei Ching
• 3^rd– Ezven Meno

Ages 6-7

• 1^st– Eli Penny
• 2^nd– Crew Vaefaga
• 3^rd– Malakai Bustista

Ages 8-9

• 1^st– Kira Richards
• 2^nd– Grayson Bell
• 3^rd– Thea Caravalho

Ages 10-11

• 1^st– Ella Vaefaga
• 2^nd– Aumarie Morris
• 3^rd– Ilikai Perez

Ages 12-13

• 1^st– Logan Roberg
• 2^nd– Marcus Alcantara-Madrid
• 3^rd– Ryana Buatista

Ages 14 and older

• 1^st– Na’I Rivera
• 2^nd– Carl Richards III
• 3^rd– Keola Thomas

“Seeing 183 keiki and their families come together made this year’s derby especially meaningful,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting “This fishing derby has grown [and] is about much more than fishing. It gives us an opportunity to build relationships, create positive memories, and celebrate the strength of our community.”

The South Kohala Community Policing Section congratulated all the top finishers and extends its appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, partner organizations, families, and participants who helped make the event a success.

A special mahalo goes out the Roberts Foundation, which has partnered with Hawaiʻi Police Department  on numerous community events over the years. Sharyn Yee of the Roberts Foundation also generously donated her time to attend the derby.

For information about future community events or opportunities to participate, please contact Officers Justin Cabanting or Michael Abran of the South Kohala Community Policing Section at justin.cabanting@hawaiipolice.gov.