Hawaiʻi Police Department to host free Keiki Fishing Derby for Kohala residents July 15

As part of their continuous outreach to engage youth in North and South Kohala in positive and fun-filled activities, Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing section is hosting a free Keiki Fishing Derby on July 15.

The derby will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pua Ka ‘Ilima ‘O Kawaihae Surf Park at Kawaihae Harbor.  This catch-and-release derby is part of the Hawaiʻi Police Activities League 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,” said community police officer Ansel Robinson. “This fishing derby is a chance for keiki to have fun with police officers while learning about sustainable fishing.”

Registration is open now through June 30. The registration forms and liability waivers are available for pick-up and drop off at the South Kohala Police Station, 67-5185 Kamāmalu St. in Waimea. Participation is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Fishing poles will be provided, but participants can 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, contact officers Ansel Robinson or Justin Cabanting of South Kohala Community Policing at 808-887-3080.