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14th Annual "Friends of Hickam" Keiki Fishing Tournament

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Hundreds of children and families gathered this year for the 14th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, hosted by "Friends of Hickam", May 29 at the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens, Kaneohe, Hawaii.

The children fished a 600-yard section of a pond stocked with small mouth bass, catfish, red devil fish and tilapia. The fish caught were measured by a volunteer team of fishing marshals comprised of volunteers from the "Friends of Hickam" and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam personnel.

Volunteers also set up the fishing area, prepared lunch, and cleaned up after the event.

The tournament was divided into boys and girls categories, and trophies were handed out for most fish and the largest fish caught.

At the end of the day, everyone one was fished out, but not a single child walked away from their experience with empty hands. Every child received a brand new fishing pole and age appropriate books courtesy of the "Friends of Hickam."

The day focused on the children of military members and spending quality time as a family, all while eating pizza, hot dogs and casting a line into the serene pond. It was a day to remember for parents and children alike.

Ha'ane Clifton, 6, with the help of her father Tech. Sgt. Austin Clifton, 647th Security Forces Squadron, caught a total of six fish.

"For me it was a great opportunity to spend time with my daughter. This is our second year attending the "Friends of Hickam" Keiki Fishing Tournament and it was just as much fun as last year," said Clifton.

"What I liked most about the fishing tournament was spending time with my dad, catching fish, and the prizes and the ice cream," said Ha'ane.

According to Senior Airman Aaron Dancel, 747th Communications Squadron, cyber transport technician, "It was a great event for the kids to enjoy with their family and friends. It was my daughter's first time fishing, and she had a fun time catching a fish and we'll be back again next year."

"I enjoyed spending time with my family and friends. And I was able to catch a bright orange fish. I really like fishing and hope I can catch a lot more next time," said Aamara Dancel, 6.

The keiki fishing tournament brings together the "Friends of Hickam" mission, to support, promote and foster stronger community relationships, and two of the 15th Wing's top priorities, growing resilient Airmen and building relationships.