NAWILIWILI — Kawika Manguchei said they were having fried fish for dinner Sunday after Jazlyn snagged a palani off the small boat launch pier, and argued that it was a keeper. Unfortunately, the Manguchei ohana was not registered to be
NAWILIWILI — Kawika Manguchei said they were having fried fish for dinner Sunday after Jazlyn snagged a palani off the small boat launch pier, and argued that it was a keeper.
Unfortunately, the Manguchei ohana was not registered to be part of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club Keiki Fishing Contest that filled the Father’s Day agenda of many dads who accompanied their children to the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor for a day of fishing.
“I was going to sponsor them,” said Gordon Higa, a longtime fisherman. “My ‘adopted’ Korean boys went back to Korea, so I was going to sponsor someone. This guy said he didn’t have enough money to enter his kid so I sponsored him.”
That angler was Isaiah Kuwamura-Bacio whose palani captured “Next Biggest Fish” honors, one of the nine top prizes in the NYC community event.
“I remember doing this contest when my granddaughter was in it,” Higa said. “Now, she’s 22 years old. The excitement when the young kids catch their fish is unforgettable. Did you see how excited Jazlyn was when she hooked on to that palani? My kids are all grown up, now so I come to sponsor those kids who can’t afford to do this.”
More than 50 keiki between the ages of 3 and 13 took advantage of the NYC sponsored activity for Father’s Day.
“My kids called from the Mainland to wish me a Happy Father’s Day,” said Bill Peterson, a tournament safety marshall. “They wanted to know what kind of ‘fathery’ thing I was doing today.”
Peterson and his wife Sea were among the long list of community sponsors, which meant even young wannabe- anglers under 3 received prizes for being there to support their ohana.
“The fish are biting today,” said Shayne Ventura whose daughter Haley ended with a judge’s special category prize for the “skinniest toau.”
Entrants all walked off with prizes, starting with a hand-made bracelet by NYC members, and a hot dog and cold drink.
The tournament was chaired by Bonnie Tiffany and Sea Peterson with Tony LeHoven (of Mapuana) doing the emcee honors. Weighmaster was Ed and Sherri Schepker with Dick Olsen serving as the recorder. Tony Wagner, Jan Martinez, Margaret Bumgarner and Liz Tanner handled the registration table with Shale Shore and Ron Wagner distributing the arm bands. Charlotte and John Ross along with Phil Tanner headed the Food Team. Others playing the important role of setting up, taking down, and recording the event included Charlotte Ross, Liz Olsen, John Ross, Bill Peterson, Kevin Arndt and Fred Styer.
“I enjoy doing this,” Higa said. “It’s very relaxing.”
NYC Keiki Fishing Tournament
Most Fish Caught: Trey Nakamura
Biggest Fish: Noah de la Pena
Next Biggest Fish: Isaiah Kuwamura-Bacio
Longest Fish: Silas Louis
Nest Longest Fish: Elijah Fernandes
Fattest Fish: Kate Nakamura
Next Fattest Fish: Kamehanaokala Kaho‘ohalahala
First Fish Caught: Kasen Goias-Abrigo
Prettiest Fish: Xaiden Tumpap
Judges’ Special Categories, for fish caught by hook : Gabrielle Basilio (fastest papio), Jai Hashimoto (most toau), Trevan Goias-Arzadon (prettiest papio), Danity Shickan (prettiest toau), Poai Kaupu-Brown (shiniest papio), Evan Yamauchi (toughest toau), Damien Tumpap (toughest papio), Colton Mills (tub of toau), Talan Goias-Arzadon (biggest finned toau), Kelsen-Jay Sam Fong (biggest eyes), Ona Lowry (biggest lips), Haley Ventura (skinniest toau), Anissa Tumpap (cutest toau), Ashlei Thompson (best jumper), Luke de la Pena (best gills), Brandon Callejo (funniest toau), Kacy Ahana (slowest toau), Kyver Ishikawa (Yo Mamo), Koy Tsukayama (most colorful toau), Zari Goias (best dancer), Leizer Nishimoto (smallest eyes), Malie Miyazaki (most stripes), Kaylee Tokuda (shiniest crab), Ceegan Soares (shrimp cocktail), Kame Kona Thompson (only opihi), Nathon Callejo (crabiest crab), and Kulani Peahu, Kaiden Kubo, Taj Yoshimuri, Ty Tsukayama, Phoebe Gonzalez, Jori Mahi, Dane Yamauchi, Reyson Goias-Abrigo, Maile Obrien, Chance Kihara, Riley Cordle and Kamaha‘o Kaho‘ohalahala (fish story).
