2009 Gene Higa Memorial Spearfishing Tournament

The 4th Annual Gene Higa Tournament was held on May 16, 2009 at Puuiki Pavilion in Waialua, Oahu.

This Tournament was created in honor of Spearfishing Champion Gene Higa and all of Hawaii’s Fallen Divers. Gene passed away while competing in the 2004 US National Spearfishing Championships in Haleiwa, Hawaii.

“Gene Higa is to Spearfishing what Eddie Aikau is to surfing. He was already an iconic figure, but in his death became a legend,” states tournament organizer Sterling Kaya. “We hope to use Gene’s namesake tournament to influence generations of future spearfishermen in a couple important ways: To serve as a reminder to dive safely. The Gene Higa Tournament has no individual awards. Participants are required to dive in pairs, thus greatly improving diver safety. To promote conservation and responsibility. The tournament is a ‘Largest Fish’ meet. Divers are only allowed to weigh one fish each, which is the least impact a tournament could possibly have. Plus, it increases the luck factor, giving all participants a better chance at winning.”

“When we first conceived of the tournament we weren’t sure how well it would be received,” Sterling continues, “We weren’t sure if divers would come out just to weigh one fish and then have to share their victory with another diver. But, the tournament maxes out every year, so that is a testament to Hawaii’s dive community.”

The conditions were perfect for this year’s event and the catches reflected it. Upon witnessing the weigh-in it was easy to forget this was a “swim-out” event.

The team of Andy Tamasese and Davin Aki impressed the crowd with mahimahis weighing 48.2 and 15.7#. After an unsuccessful approach on an ulua house, Andy and Davin headed out for the blue water. After about 20 minutes a school of mahi approached. Andy dropped down targeting the bull, but when it veered off he decided to take a cow that was at the tip of his spear. Andy yelled to get Davin’s attention and told him, “My shot is good, don’t back me up, shoot the bull!” The bull was now following the already speared mahi and heading directly to Davin, who promptly dropped down and placed a perfect shot right in it’s middle. Andy subdued his fish, reloaded, then put the kill shot into the bull’s head. Cheers and high-fives……..

The second place catch in the speargun division was equally impressive. The team of Wayne Kamikawa and Kalani Lundgren surprised everyone with a 32.8# shibi. They too started the day checking ulua houses to no avail and decided to head out to the blue. After a short time chumming in 80-90ft. of water a shibi appeared and began eating the palu. Wayne dropped down and waited until the shibi came within range and got a good shot with his 50” Yokooji Reef gun. He grabbed his partner Kalani’s gun and put in a second shot. It’s Primo Time…..

Another outstanding catch was landed by Charles Ah Nee and Levi Archuleta in the 3-prong division. Charles turned around after stringing up a kumu and saw three Kagami uluas. He descended quickly in 20-30ft. of water as the uluas headed off. And to his surprise the Kagamis spun around to check him out when he hit the bottom. One came within range and he hit it right behind the pectoral fin with his Seahorse 8’ Graphite 3-prong. The ulua sped off but soon began spiraling to the bottom. Charles swam down and shoved his spear deeper, then shoved his hand into it’s gills. The rest is history…..

The Gene Higa Tournament also featured a competition between Iron Chef Kimi Werner and Challenger Terrence Takahata utilizing fish caught during the tournament. The two chefs entertained the crowd as they prepared the secret ingredients of Mu, Tako, and Primo Beer. It was a close decision for judges Eric Batalon of Lanikila Catering and Erin Bunda, representing Tournament Sponsor Primo Beer. But in the end Kimi Werner successfully defended her title.

Non-divers were also able to participate by entering the HSD Fantasy Spearfishing Contest. Entrants were able to compete for prizes by picking the winners of the Speargun and 3-Prong divisions online at www.hawaiiskindiver.com.

4TH ANNUAL GENE HIGA MEMORIAL SPEARFISHING TOURNAMENT May 16, 2009 - Puuiki Pavilion, Waialua, HI

SPEARGUN DIV. 1. Andy Tamasese/Davin Aki 63.9 lbs
2. Wayne Kamikawa/Kalani Lundgren 37.5
3. Hanalei Adric/Calvin Lai 33.1
4. Steven Pacyau/Terrence Basug 24.9
5. Kurt Chambers/Derek LeVault 24.3

3-PRONG DIVISION
1. Charles Ah Nee/Levi Archuleta 16.8 lbs
2. Lane Tsujiguchi/Henry Blas 12.7

LARGEST MU
1. Deo Rhoden/Tyler Nishioka 8.0 lbs

LARGEST UKU
1. Kalei Fernandez/Wayde Hayashi 8.6 lbs

LARGEST TAKO
1. Jeremiah Hull/Zach Waterman 3.6 lbs

Thanks to our sponsors: Primo Beer, Hawaii Skin Diver, Hana Pa’a Fishing Co., Kai Clothing, Outback Steakhouse Waipio, Service Printers, AQA, Maui Sporting Goods, Red Sea Ocean Adventures, Hatch Custom Guns, Menehune Water, Hammerhead Spearguns, Lance Ohara, Kawabangas, Shane Hamamoto Fish Prints, Andrea Kawabata, Ryan Ujimori, Island Silver, John Johnson