Return of the Lanai Keiki Fishing Tournament
By Anthony Kaauamo
11-year-old Jurian Costales stood proudly by the rock “bridge” in the tidepools near Shark Bay, a wide grin stretching across his face. His small hands held a short fishing pole with a wriggling catch at the end of the line. He pulled up the catch; it was a roi, an invasive species notorious for wreaking havoc on Hawaii’s marine ecosystem. As Hansel, his dad, assisted in removing the hook from the roi's mouth, a circle of curious kids gathered around, marveling at Jurian's catch.
Reviving after a seven-year hiatus, the Lanai Keiki Fishing Tournament witnessed overwhelming enthusiasm this year. To cater to different age groups, organizers structured the event into three categories: 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds, and 13-17 year olds. The action kicked off at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6 and wrapped up by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 8. Set between the scenic stretches of Hulopoe Beach and the Manele Small Boat Harbor, the event maintained age-specific safety guidelines, ensuring a secure and immersive experience for all involved.
As Friday afternoon progressed, the beachfront came alive. By 4 p.m., families had started pouring in. The numbers were impressive, with over 160 participants checking in and with around 100 of them opting to camp out over the weekend.
Fishing was, of course, the heart of the event. The emphasis was on catching invasive species, such as the toau, incentivized with bonus points. Young Jurian's roi wasn't the only standout; Gabe Sanches brought in a whopping five-pound mu, drawing considerable attention. To fuel the competitive spirit and add a touch of excitement, a tally board was on display, letting participants keep an eye on their standings.
However, it wasn't all just about fishing. An eagerly awaited part of the event were the door prize donations, packed with attractive prizes. From Yeti coolers to brand new ulua poles, the list was exhaustive, and every single item up for grabs was a testament to the community’s interconnectedness, having been donated primarily through word-of-mouth publicity that Lanai so effectively employs.
The essence of the community was further highlighted in the decision to direct the door prize donation proceeds to two poignant causes. The first was a tribute to the memory of Genalyn Schaefer, a beloved figure in the community who left too soon. The second avenue for the proceeds was to fund the next year's tournament, symbolizing the island's desire to keep this tradition alive and thriving.
Marcom Pascua, the lead coordinator, spoke of the importance of imparting knowledge, saying, "All we can really do is teach the kids the importance of our traditions. If we do it right, they'll remember and feel a deep connection as they grow up. The real achievement is watching them share these lessons with their own children. It proves the lasting impact of our efforts."
While the tournament celebrates individual achievements, its broader vision stretches beyond the accolades. The driving force behind the Fishing Tournament is the Lanai Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA). They envisage a future where the island's youth embrace both the joys of fishing and the profound responsibilities that come with it.
For the youngsters participating, the Lanai Keiki Fishing Tournament wasn't just an event — it was an experience, a lesson, and a legacy. A chance to understand the delicate balance of marine life and the essential role they play in preserving it. Through initiatives like these, Lanai not only celebrates its rich fishing culture but also instills in its next generation a sense of duty and pride in safeguarding its marine treasures.
Fishing on the breakwater in Manele near the lighthouse, young Gabe Sanches was growing restless. Even though it had only been minutes, his line, baited with shrimp, hadn't stirred in what felt like hours. “Dad, no more fish, I like go already,” he complained. Keo, his father, looked at him and counseled, "You know what the best trait of a fisherman? Patience."
True to those words, shortly after, Gabe's patience bore fruit. His line came alive with the pull of a significant catch. With his father's guidance, Gabe reeled in a striking 5-pound mu. This memorable catch didn't just earn Gabe the prestigious First Place by Weight at the Lanai Keiki Fishing Tournament but also became a gyotaku print, captured by artist Kristin Belew.
Gabe's experience on that day underscored the timeless value of patience, not just in fishing but in all aspects of life.
While the journey to establish a CBSFA on Lanai continues, the Lanai Keiki Fishing Tournament serves as a crucial step in nurturing a new generation of ocean stewards who understand the importance of responsible fishing and conservation.