1st Annual Jeffrey Fiala Holoholo Fishing Tournament

By Fire Fighter I Darin Shinagawa

On January 24, 2026, we hosted the 1st Annual Jeffrey Fiala Holoholo Fishing Tournament in a touching and triumphant tribute to the life and legacy of Honolulu Fire Fighter Jeffrey “Jeff” Fiala. This event brought together family and friends to celebrate his passion for the ocean, fishing, and “holoholo” spirit through camaraderie, competition, and aloha.

Fishing took place on January 22nd and 23rd, with participants allowed to fish from sunup to sundown on one of their “off days.” Categories were split between on-shore and offshore divisions. On-shore categories included biggest weight ʻōʻio and biggest weight ʻulua, each with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, as well as overall biggest pelagic fish by weight. Offshore categories included biggest weight pāpio and biggest weight ʻōʻio, each with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, along with an overall biggest pelagic fish by weight category.

In the on-shore division, Andrew Fiala claimed the heaviest ʻōʻio at an impressive 2.6 pounds. Andrew, who happens to be Jeff’s twin brother, was the only fisherman to haul in a catch in any of the on-shore categories. His dedication truly stood out.

Offshore highlights included the heaviest pāpio category, where the boat “Haz2B” took 1st place with an impressive 5.99-pound catch, followed by “Kamanu” in 2nd place with 3.04 pounds, and “Wela Maru” in 3rd place with a 2.91-pound catch. The offshore ʻōʻio subcategory featured another memorable solo winner, the boat “Caught the Kalihi Clap,” with a 4.58-pound ʻōʻio, adding extra excitement to the day. In the largest participating category, pelagic fish, the boat “Tina Marie” won heaviest overall with a remarkable 78.51-pound marlin catch, with “Kauluniu” coming in as a close runner-up with a yellowfin tuna (shibi) weighing 60.57 pounds.

The tournament wrapped up on January 24th with official weigh-ins and a joyful pāʻina, where attendees, both current and retired, enjoyed live music by some of the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)’s very own musicians, including retired Fire Captains James “Jimmy” Reyes, Jason “Jay” Mejia, and Fire Captain Gavan Miyashita. Guests also shared delicious Hawaiian food and pūpū, along with stories and memories of Jeff.

As a special surprise, with the help of Retired Battalion Chief Paul “Matty” Miguel, we were able to present Jeff’s Certificate of Graduation from Honolulu Community College’s Fire Science Program to Jeff’s wife, Fiona.

In addition to the great turnout, we were blessed to raise a substantial amount of money through raffle giveaways donated by HFD members and businesses within the community. Notable items included a custom surfboard shaped by Fire Fighter II Triston Emmons, clothing items from Fire Fighter I Mikel “Kamu” Morita’s fishing apparel line, and a large six-foot fiberglass boat cooler from Ben Rowe of Plas-Tech on Sand Island, along with many other generous donations from companies across the island.

Despite the short planning timeframe, the turnout was outstanding and reflected the deep respect and love for Jeff within the HFD ʻohana.

The event would not have been a success without the help of so many people. A special mahalo goes out to the HFD ʻohana for their incredible support and dedication, specifically Fire Chief Sheldon “Kalani” Hao, Deputy Fire Chief Jason Samala, Assistant Chiefs Joseph Kostiha, Chris Cabasa, Reid Yoshida, and Kevin Mokulehua, Battalion Chiefs Chad Nakagawa, Ethan Aeʻa, and Brady Perreira, Fire Captains Kaimi Pelekai, Kevin Calleon, and Kiana Kam, Fire Fighter IIIs Kaleo Kia, Kekoa Tassil, and Hyrum Nihipali, Fire Fighter II Sarah Turgeon, and Fire Fighter Is Micah Doi, David “Mana” Pimental, Darren Garvey, and Lillinoe Wilhelm, as well as all personnel at Kakaʻako Fire Station (Station 9) and Central Fire Station (Station 1), Battalion 1/3rd, the Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association Union, the HFD Athletic Fund, and the many others whose support helped make this event possible.

We apologize if any names were unintentionally left out, but your time, commitment, and aloha, whether through volunteering, organizing, or simply showing up, helped honor Jeff’s brotherhood in the fire service and made this gathering truly meaningful.

Additionally, a huge mahalo goes out to Alakaʻi Rentals for supplying the EZ-Corner tents, Paradise Lua Inc. for donating the portable toilets, and special duty Honolulu Police Department Officer Sarah Rapp for helping keep everyone safe.

Finally, we would like to thank the Fiala family not only for coming out, but for participating in the tournament as well. We are all truly blessed to have worked with and gotten to know Jeff.

This inaugural tournament was far more than a fishing competition. It was a beautiful way to keep Jeffrey’s memory alive. Mahalo nui loa to everyone involved. Here’s to many more years of the Jeffrey Fiala Holoholo Fishing Tournament. #RestInLove #HoloholoFishing

See Gallery, 1st Annual Jeffrey Fiala Holoholo Fishing Tournament