HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-23 Roughwater and Ohana Fishing Tournament Cancellations -- press release js
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
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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.