Keiki Anglers To Fish Kahaluu Pond

A Keiki Fishing Derby for kids ages 7 to 15 will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Waikua‘a‘ala Fishpond at Kahalu‘u Beach Park.

Registration and information are available online at KeikiFishingDerby.org or at the Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center at Kahalu‘u Beach Park, which is sponsoring the community event.

Keiki can fish for tilapia at Kahalu‘u Beach Park, learn about environmental stewardship and win prizes in two age divisions. Keiki ages 7–10 will compete at 10 a.m.; ages 11–15 at 11 a.m.

“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 Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center. “Plus it’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day together at Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park full of fun, family-friendly activities.”

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.

Entrants must make and bring their own homemade bamboo fishing poles, constructed with a bamboo rod, fishing line and a size 14 barbless hook, and are encouraged to be creative and decorate their fishing poles. Bait will be provided.

All tilapia caught will go to Kona Aquaponics, which will raise them for food and use their waste to fertilize the aquaponic farm, Punihaole said.

Other activities planned for the day include lauhala and coconut frond weaving with Auntie Mele Waikiki, Hawaiian games (konane, pala‘ie 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 Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center keep Kahalu‘u Bay a healthy and happy place.