PORT ALLEN — Registration for the first Kamali‘i Challenge, presented by the Port Allen Fishing Club, took off from the initial announcement, said Margie Goodno of the PAFC.
“We just opened registration on Instagram, and within the first hour there were 32 signups,” Goodno said. “By this morning (Wednesday), we had more than a hundred anglers registered.”
Registration for the Kamali‘i Challenge, a keiki fishing contest for those ages 3 to 15, is being handled exclusively through Instagram @kamaliichallenge for the derby that will take place Saturday, July 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Allen Small Boat Harbor.
“The Kamali‘i Challenge is a keiki fishing tournament that will focus on bringing family and community together in a positive and educational way,” said Cherie Rudolph, PAFC event chair, in a solicitation letter.
“We are looking to provide equipment, food, educational booths and prizes to all children who participate. This is a nonprofit event, and there are no entry fees involved for participants.”
Fishing will be on a catch-and-release basis using barbless hooks, and Goodno said everyone is invited to eat for free.
Judges are scratching their heads trying to figure out categories so there can be as many prizes as possible to be distributed. The judges are also looking at coming up with an honor point system so 3-year-olds can be competitive against those who are 15 years old.
“Right now, our goal is about 150 fisher-people,” Goodno said. “We’re off to a good start, but there is still room for more before everything comes together July 27.”
Rules and registration are available on Instagram @kamaliichallenge.
“What if our little island of Kauai hosted the best keiki fishing tournament in the state of Hawaii, maybe even the world?” Rudolph said. “We are dedicated to making this event something that our Kauai ohana will look forward to every year. With a little help, we can make this happen.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
