Kohala HI-PAL Keiki Fishing Derby a great success, with nearly 140 young anglers casting their lines

The 2025 Kohala Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League, or HI-PAL, Keiki Fishing Derby was a great success, bringing together 138 enthusiastic young Big Island anglers for a day of fishing, family and fun.

A horn officially signaled the start of the derby the morning of June 28 at Pua Ka ʻIlima Surf Park in Kawaihae. Participants then had 2 hours to fish for a prize-winning catch in their age group.

Officers weighed and recorded their fish at 11 a.m.

Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing officers from North and South Kohala as well as Kona hosted the event, with support from Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Divison of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers.

Volunteers from People for Active Transportation Hawai‘i, or PATH; Eddie Caravalho; Friends of First Responders; Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, Hawai‘i; State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers, or SHOPO; and Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney also helped make the day possible.

While the fish were weighed, participants and their families enjoyed a complimentary lunch of hot dogs, chili bowls, shaved ice and snacks.

New Hope Church Kawaihae and Waiākea Water provided a hydration station with cold water, fresh fruit and healthy snacks.

Fish of all sizes were caught, and keiki had the chance to make gyotaku fish prints at Caravalho’s booth. Smiles filled the park as lucky number prizes were handed out.

The day ended with a drawing for a 2-night stay at the Hilton Waikōloa Village, awarded to a keiki from North Kohala.

“We are incredibly grateful for everyone who participated, donated and supported this year’s derby,” said the event’s coordinator South Kohala Community Policing Section Officer Justin Cabanting in a release summing up the event’s success. “Each year, this event continues to grow and bring families together.”

HI-PAL is a Hawai‘i Police Department program that connects officers and youth through mentoring and recreational activities. It fosters teamwork, citizenship and personal responsibility.

Contact the Community Policing Section in your area for additional information about community activities and events.