2020-06-23 Roughwater and Ohana Fishing Tournament Cancellations -- press release js

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Roy Takemoto Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 June 23, 2020 NEWS RELEASE County of Hawai‘i Announces Cancellation of Richardson Rough Water Swim and ‘Ohana Fishing Tournament The County of Hawai‘i regretfully announces the cancellation of this year’s Richardson Rough Water Swim and the ‘Ohana Fishing Tournament in the interest of protecting the health and wellbeing of participants, supporters and staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state and local emergency rules and policies currently in place, these popular activities present numerous uncertainties and planning challenges. The Richardson Rough Water Swim is a 1-mile open ocean race held annually that nd starts and ends at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. Last year’s event, the 32 annual, included nearly 150 competitors. The ‘Ohana Fishing Tournament is a popular annual island-wide fishing tournament held over Statehood Day weekend that attracted upwards of 350 anglers of all ages and from all over the island. The tournament culminated with the weigh-in at Honoka‘a Gym and the subsequent awarding of prizes across multiple categories, with emphasis on the ‘ohana division. Weigh-ins regularly drew almost 800 people. This event was consistently and generously supported by many of the island’s fishing supply stores, travel industry operations and local businesses. These events are an expression of our island culture and a point of pride in our community. The Department of Parks and Recreation anticipates resuming both annual events in 2021. For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Aquatics Division at 961-8740. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.