Billfish tourney gets off hook
By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament almost didn't happen this year because of Homeland Security concerns.
But the tournament will manage to carry on for its 45th year starting tomorrow at Kailua, Kona Pier.
New Department of Homeland Security guidelines prevent vessels from coming within 100 yards of one another. During the tournament's six-day run, a cruise ship will arrive with tenders shuttling passengers to shore.
Tournament founder Peter Fithian didn't see his tournament being scrapped when he was asked to do so.
"We were not anticipating it being canceled," Fithian said.
After much discussion, the tournament will continue at Kailua, Kona Pier. The pier has been separated so cruise passengers and personnel don't bump into tournament participants. Boats looking to weigh their catch at the pier must also radio in ahead of time.
"We can work through that and we intend to," Fithian said.
Tournament officials plan to move north to Honokohau Harbor if security levels increase, forcing the pier to close.
"You never know what's going to happen on a day-to-day basis," said Fred Duerr, tournament president.
But Duerr doesn't forsee that happening and hopes his world-class event will continue as scheduled.
"It sets an example for tournaments around the world," said International Game Fish Association president Rob Kramer. "Many have modeled their tournaments around this tournament."
"If you win this tournament, you're known worldwide," added Jack Ellis, former tournament director in the late 60s and 70s.
Fithian said there are "keen anglers" in this year's tournament that include several Australian boats and the Japanese national billfish champion. There are 20 teams entered, including defending champion Pajaro Valley Gamefish Club of Watsonville, Calif., which also won the event in 1997 and 2000. The club is led by captain Rocky Franich, who has fished in 40 of the 44 tournaments.
The tournament also includes teams from Hawai'i, Florida, North Carolina, Bahamas, Kenya, South Korea and an all-female team from French Polynesia.
The tournament returns to Kailua, Kona this year after a $4 million facelift by the Department of Land and Natural Resources that moved it to Honokohau Harbor last year.
Reach Stanley Lee at slee@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8533.
