(BIVN) – The annual Blue Light Fishing Tournament was held in July at Kealoha Beach Park, also known as Four Mile, in the Keaukaha-area of Hilo.
Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section and the Hawai‘i Police Activities League (HI-PAL) supported the July 14th event.
HI-PAL is a program created by the Hawaiʻi Police Department in which police officers interact with youth in various activities and act as mentors. “This positive connection with the youth helps encourage teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and builds trust amongst the youth,” police say.
The department provided this summary of the Blue Light Fishing Tournament event:
The fishing tournament was the culmination of a summer-long program led by Hilo Community Policing Officers who visited Kaumana Elementary, EB DeSilva Elementary, and Hilo Intermediate Schools throughout June and July to teach ocean safety tips and fishing skills. During the classes, students learned fishing fundamentals, such as knot tying and casting, as well as the value of staying healthy and staying out of trouble. Those who completed the summer program were eligible to participate in the fishing tournament.
Fifteen keiki, age 7 to 14, participated in the fun event with prizes for the most fish caught and the biggest fish. Prizes included fishing poles and equipment, cooler lunch bags, beach supplies, and many other prizes. Participating keiki also enjoyed hot dogs, shave ice, snacks, and drinks.
Assisting in the day’s festivities were Puna Community Policing Officers and personnel from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
