LIHU‘E — Organizers of the 2010 Kaua‘i Spearfishing Challenge will be hoping to do a lot more than just provide a tournament for Kaua‘i freedivers and spearfishermen. The event, which is scheduled for July 17, is also a fundraiser for
LIHU‘E — Organizers of the 2010 Kaua‘i Spearfishing Challenge will be hoping to do a lot more than just provide a tournament for Kaua‘i freedivers and spearfishermen. The event, which is scheduled for July 17, is also a fundraiser for Kaua‘i children and families.
Jon Barretto, an advisor for the Challenge, says that with the tournament, they hope to reach their “fundraising target of $10,000 and contribute all proceeds to Easter Seals Hawai‘i.”
Successfully attaining community donations will “help ensure the delivery of vital programs and services for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities and their families on Kaua‘i.”
Barretto said the tournament is also in cooperation and coordination with Save Our Seas in this effort.
“Active members of our freediving and spearfishing community have participated in a yearlong planning and implementation project to hold a celebration of freediving safety and conservation spearfishing,” Barretto said in an e-mail.
The Challenge, an invasive species, swim-out only meet, will see participants take to the water at Anini Beach, with the only eligible hauls being roi, to‘au and ta‘ape in all sizes. Only three-prong and spear guns are allowed. No free-shaft guns or power-heading will be permitted.
Award categories are combined fish, largest fish and smallest fish.
Entry forms can be obtained at the Hanalei Village Variety, Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza, Sea Sport Divers in Kapa‘a and Po‘ipu, Waipouli Variety, Lihu‘e Fishing Supply, Kujo’s Mini Mart in Kalaheo, Salt Pond Country Store in Hanapepe and Waimea’s Ishihara Market.
Team entry fee is $100 per team, which includes lunch and tournament t-shirts for both divers. Payment and entry forms are needed by June 11.
