LIHU‘E — There were 62 divers who competed in the 2010 Kaua‘i Spearfishing Challenge Roi eRadication, doing their part to remove a total of 379 invasive species, July 24 at Anini Beach. Of those 379 pulled from the water, 244
LIHU‘E — There were 62 divers who competed in the 2010 Kaua‘i Spearfishing Challenge Roi eRadication, doing their part to remove a total of 379 invasive species, July 24 at Anini Beach.
Of those 379 pulled from the water, 244 were roi, which are often responsible for a large drop in reef fish population.
The event generated a large charitable donation, with $2,600 going to Easter Seals.
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,” according to event organizer Jon Barretto.
Kevin Sakuda and Jared Furusho took first place in the total pieces category with 44.
They just edged out the second-place team of Calvin Lai and Braxton Fernandez, who pulled in 42 pieces. Mike Hatcher and Shane Cabiles came in third for the total category.
Edwin Corrales and Brian Trinidad, of Kaua‘i, took first for the largest roi. The father-son tandem of Payton Hough Sr. and Payton Hough Jr., also of Kaua‘i, were the winners in the smallest roi category.
Sakuda and Furusho, who nabbed the top total, will now have the opportunity to compete in the roi round-up on Maui, with a free entry and hotel accommodation taken care of. This eradication is part of a larger state-wide effort aided by the cooperation of Brian Yoshikawa of Maui Sporting Goods.
A number of volunteers helped out with the Anini event, including Paul Zina, Sabine Templeton, Rollan and Celina Yadao, Toni Gali, Hartwell Apo, Darrell Aquinaldo and all the S.O.S. crew.
Some of the main sponsors for the event were Seasport Divers, Mark’s Place, St. Regis, Kaua‘i Vacation Rentals, Riffe International, Vibe Auto and Joanna Carolan.
