After  a week and a half of rain, wind and threatening clouds, we were somewhat doubtful  that the 3 prong meet that was planned for Sunday March 8th would have many members  participating.  Gosh who would eat all the special hamburgers that Junior Afalla always prepare for this event?   A good thing about this meet is eating all the small fresh reef fish that we normally don’t catch at other meets, onolicious, kole, mainini, etc. Congrats to those that came and  here is a short writeup by George Matsuda..

AHK 3 Prong “Get Together”
By  George
Originally, there  were 32 members that said they were going to dive but only 22 signed up to brave the bad weather that was forecasted for the weekend. As it turned out, the day was blessed with just a slight overcast with light wind and a moderate drizzle. In other words, the day was enjoyable.

After the briefing by Terrence, the divers casually suited up and made their way along the beach, either having the choice to stay inside the breakers to poke “Tako”, in clean water or challenge to spear fish in the misty surf break.

The divers that chose to look for “Tako” were surprised. The grounds looked promising, but only 1 “Tako” was poked by Derrick Okamoto. Sorry to say, not qualifying. Therefore, the “Tako” category was taken out. Almost all the divers that placed in the “fish category” dove in the breakers, spearing “Nenue”.  Roland Miguel all suited up during the briefing was ready and determined to spear the largest “Nenue”, and he was victorious. Again, Vann showed up with his two “Nenue”

While the divers were hunting, Junior prepared his traditional 2” grilled Hamburger Steak that satisfied everyone’s hunger, especially the kids after a swim on the beach.

Soon, the prizes were presented by Terrence, the congratulations and cheers were moderately casual and so were the usual deep fried fish cook out. The snack enticed many to hang out and talk stories.

Hard Luck Stories

Clyde Sasaki, diving in the shallow water said that he decided to tickle the “Tako” out of the hole instead of poking it. After putting the “Tako” into the bag, he only thought about tying it better. Unfortunately it crawled out. Clyde said that it was easily over the minimum size of two pounds. “I was thinking of going fishing that night and wanted to have “fresh bait”.

Leonard Manley, hammered out his frustration on the beach, shaking his head and explaining how his large “Red Uhu” got away. Leonard said he saw the “Uhu” go into a hole so he cocked his 3 prong spear at full strength before making his approach. The penetration of his pole spear made a big hole in the middle of the fish. The“Uhu” spun and eventually got away. Leonard said seconds later he saw the lifeless “Uhu” swimming vertically and was about to grab it when a big wave came crashing. In the end, the “Uhu” was gone.

Smiling, Guy Mikasa proudly displayed his catch of one “Manini”. Guy said the “Nenue” was plentiful where he was diving, until a wave sucked him up and bounced him onto the reef, ending his dive without a snorkel and mask. Luckily he was ok, how he managed to swim thru the surf is another story.

“Thanks guys” for the “hard luck” stories, their defeat unknowingly made others win prizes. When all said and done, the clubs yearly event was a success, making this experience into another exciting day of good fun.

If you have access to Oceanic Time Warner, digital. See photoshow TV  channel 917 for pictures of the 2009 AHK 3 Prong “Get Together. Scroll until you find Misc. and press play to view. Good luck.

Coordinator: Terrence Takahata                   Weighmaster: Lance Ohara
Awards: Terry Yonashiro                             Chef: Junior Afalla

RESULTS:
Largest Fish:                                                  Total Weight:
1st Roland Miguel  3.25 lbs. (Nenue)             1st Vann Oshiro……..7.62 lbs

2ndGarret Lee        2.53 lbs  (Nenue)             2nd Kimi Werner…….5.63 lbs
3rd  Derrick Okamoto 1.80 lbs (Palani)          3rd Fred Calleon …….4.69 lbs
4th Bowe Lani..           1.76 lbs (Palani)          4th Terry Yonashiro… 3.15 lbs
5th George Matsuda   .. 3.05 lbs

IT’S THAT TIME FOR ELIMINATIONS AND SELECTION OF THOSE WHO WILL BE REPRESENTING AHK – HAWAII AT THE US NATIONALS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 6TH 2009 AT LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH – MALIBU.
Alii Holo Kai can send up to 3 teams in each category—Mens, Womens, Mixed.

Eliminations form is enclosed with this mailing and is also available on aliiholokai.com web site. Please read the instructions and submit the completed form(to: Terrence Takahata 5210 Likini St. #404, Honolulu, Hi 96818 )  before or by the deadline date of  April 18th 8PM.

The elimination dive is Sunday April 26 with a backup date of Sunday, May 3rd  if weather conditions  warrant a change.  The location is Waialee Beach park (Gene Higa Memorial site) from Sunset Point to Kuulima point, with a possible  alternate site that may be determined on meet morning. Divers are encouraged to dive in pairs (safety).  Three person team may register/enter as a team and if they are in the top 9 will qualify as a team as AHK entrants. To participate, you must be a member of AHK,  and  the Underwater Society of America. We want to insure AHK divers are properly registered and provided with the necessary logistics and information.  We want to help you, the AHK Hawaii diver, to be more prepared and competitive.

The elimination meet is planned for 5 hours.  Registration, briefing, review  the rules, etc.  from 7 AM and dive starts approximately  8AM.   Tenative  rules allow 12 fish maximum with 6 knives.
Measurements:  Horn Kala 15” / Opelu Kala 17” / Pualu, Palani, Nenue, Aawa, Roi, Goats 12” /Uhu 13”/ Blue Water, Awa, Jacks, Kaku, Uku 18”
Bring a cooler with ice per competitor.  Volunteers (help) eagerly accepted.

Entry Fee $20, Dues AHK $30,  USOA $15

No spearing of fish in tournament zone after April 12th.

Lunch will be provided AND  the weigh in will be done at the site.
If  as a result of the eliminations, you are qualified as a competitor for the Nationals, you will be briefed on your requirement and commitments with a scheduled time line and what support you can expect from AHK.

QUESTIONS???  GIVE TERRENCE   836-5009 OR FRANK  732-1756 A CALL .

Aloha and dive safely!

Frank

Download the 2009 Alii Holo Kai Eliminations Entry Form

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