Island Families Make Tilapia Tournament a Tradition

Shacedy Dudoit, age 7, of Makawao proudly holds her caught fish assisted by her father at the 4th Annual Maui Electric Company Keiki Tilapia Fishing Tournament held Sunday, September 2, at the Ka’anapali Golf Course. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Hundreds of children and their families participated in the 4th Annual Maui Electric Company Keiki Tilapia Fishing Tournament held earlier this month in Ka’anapali.

The annual event has gained popularity among island residents, and has become an important fundraising event for the Maui United Way Campaign.

“Last year, with the support of their fishing tournament, MECO raised just under $60,000 and was honored as our “Community Partnership of the Year,” said Maui United Way President & Chief Professional Officer Laksmi M. Abraham.  “The support of company’s like Maui Electric Company and the generosity of its employees is what makes United Way work.”

Event organizers say the funds raised from the event helps Maui United Way to meet pressing needs in the community through their partner agencies. Maui United Way currently supports 36 health and human services programs on Maui, with 98% of each contribution staying on island to address needs within the community.

To date, MECO has raised more than $15,000 in the 2012 United Way Maui Giving Campaign.

“We’re proud to support Maui’s non-profits through an event that brings families and friends together,” said MECO’s President Sharon Suzuki. “The success of this tournament simply is not possible without the synergy of partners in the community like Ka’anapali Golf Courses. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

Winners and the weight of the fish caught in the 4th Annual Keiki Tilapia Fishing Tournament are as follows:

• Age 2-5 winners: First, Tyce Ringstad, 6 3/4 oz.; Second, Noah Beatty, 6 1/4 oz., Third, Thaliyah Santiago-Singh, 6 1/8 oz.; Smallest fish, Kendyll Yamada, 1/8 oz.
• Age 6-12: First, Tatum Hoshino, 12.8 oz., Second, Ty Miller, 10 oz.; Third, McKenzie Kubo-Li, 8.5 oz.; Smallest fish, Kevin Yokoyama, 1/8 oz.
• Age 13-18: First, Dustin Kokubun, 1 lb. 12 oz.; Second, Cameron Kawai, 6 5/8 oz.; Third, Noah Kele, 6 oz.; Smallest fish, Kanoa Dickson, 3/8 oz.