November 23, 2010
Who said, “No mo Kumu?” If you were at sunny Sand Island Park, you might have wondered, “What … nice kine kumus … from where?” Granted the kumu schools are not like how it used to be in years past, but still get “planny” if you know where to look and have the experience and skills to capture just enough to make another successful Kumu Hunt. Once more that’s how it was for this year. Alii Holo Kai divers dove island wide in search of this king of steamed fishes. Conditions, as in many past meets, were less than ideal and made diving difficult for most hunters. But even under perfect circumstances kumus can still be few and far between if you’re not in the right place at the right time. This is why this meet presents such a challenge to even the best of divers. It’s just right tough to test your abilities on the day when it counts the most.
All the divers checked in under one of the big trees in the park where the weigh in was held. Good fun hearing the usual stories (excuses): “Nah, junk da watah … Only small kine … Get little bit … Dirty da watah … Strong current … Beeg waves … Nevah do dat good … etc.” Nevertheless, when it came time for the weigh in and the stringers started coming out of the coolers – SURPRISE! Wow, now who said, “No mo Kumu?” Stringer after stringer had kumus (and big kine too) proudly displayed for camera action. As the weigh in proceeded and the numbers and weights being recorded on the board increased to the point where I wondered why we had worried whether or not we would have enough for the Chinese restaurant. Yes, there was enough – way more than enough. The big rocks and clear water on the harbor’s edge was very convenient for cleaning fish and adding a touch of salty seasoning. The crabs waved their pinchers in gratitude.
Lam’s Garden served another wonderful banquet. And, as always, every dish was ono, but da best was the steamed kumu – talk about ONO! Awards were handed out to all the winners – even the bananas too. Door prizes galore for everyone – real nice kind! Every table had several stories going at the same time that added to all the laughter and general commotion. After Frank gave a short talk about safety, future concerns about the resource and potential management schemes, the night slowly came to an end.
