Kitesurfer breaks world record
Professional Maui kitesurfer Patri McLaughlin broke a confirmed Guiness World Record on Jan. 22 at Jaws on Maui — riding the largest wave ever kitesurfed at 72 feet, four inches (22.5 meters). The 34-year-old used a custom big wave surfboard with a six-meter neo-kite.
Four weeks prior to the impressive feat, McLaughlin ruptured his appendix, forcing him to be cared for in the hospital for multiple nights. Despite the setback, McLaughlin couldn’t let him miss the record-breaking swell.
“It was the biggest swell I’ve seen since I started kiting and surfing jaws 14 years ago,” he said in a release. “When that swell popped up, it was such a rare swell that I couldn’t miss it.
“There’s a good chance that if I fell on a wave like that while recovering from a major operation I could’ve been in serious trouble.”
Annual golf fundraiser returning soon
Hawai’i Island United Way’s “21st Annual Luck of the Irish” golf tournament will returns for another season.
HIUW encourages all interested parties to come out for a day filled with excitement, fun and challenging holes at the stunning Mauna Lani Golf course. This fundraiser helps support and strengthen the Big Island community in the areas of health, financial stability and education. Whether a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the tournament promises an unforgettable experience while supporting a great cause.
With registration, participants receive breakfast, golfer swag, on-course refreshments, marketing acknowledgment and an awards lunch following the tournament. There will be opportunities to win prizes.
“Whether you have joined us for this worthy cause in the past or are joining us for the first time, you are making a vital impact in our community with your support of this fundraiser,” Karen Davis, President and CPO of HIUW said in a statement.
“With your support, 32 health and human service programs continue to operate whereby, keiki and youth receive afterschool support and individuals with developmental disabilities receive home and community-based services, just to mention a few.”
Registration is open until Feb 23. HIUW encourages those unable to compete to contact its offices to hear about sponsorship opportunities. HIUW also welcomes in-kind sponsors and offer marketing opportunities. For additional information about the “21st Annual Luck of the Irish” Golf Tournament, visit hiuw.org, call 808-935-6393 ext. 6 or email campaign@hiuw.org.
Police department hosts T-ball tournament
More than 250 keiki from around Hawai‘i Island, aged six to eight years old, recently came together to compete in the second annual Hawai‘i Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) coach-pitch/T-ball baseball tournament. Hosted by Hawai‘i Police Department, the two-day tournament was held Saturday and Sunday at the Kawananakoa Gym in the Keaukaha area of Hilo.
A total of 19 teams participated in the tournament, with the Lincoln Wreckers Gold clinching the first-place title and the West Side Hammers in second place.
Hawai‘i Police Department extends a heartfelt mahalo to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this event, including retired and current HPD officers, whose time and efforts were instrumental in making this event such a success.
HI-PAL is a program of the Hawai‘i Police Department in which police officers interact with youth in various activities as mentors. This positive connection encourages teamwork, citizenship and responsibility among youth. If your Hilo community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Officers at (808) 961-8849.