WAIKAPU - At the fourth annual Isaac "B.J." Kanoa Memorial Fishing Tournament, representatives of congressional members Mazie Hirono and Neil Abercrombie saluted Brian Yoshikawa for organizing the event.

The tourney memorializes B.J. Kanoa, who died at age 28 in a free-diving accident, and all proceeds go to an educational fund for his daughter.

Gladys Kanoa, B.J.'s mother, wanted to recognize Yoshikawa, owner of Maui Sporting Goods, for his work with the Kanoa tournament and other fundraisers, such as the Daniel Perreira Memorial Spearfishing Tournament benefiting the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation.

At a banquet Sept. 27 at the Waikapu Community Center, Yoshikawa accepted the honor in the spirit of "taking care of our own, especially in these tough economic times."

He acknowledged others' support, including more than $3,000 in prizes donated by participants, friends and fishing supply businesses on Maui and other Neighbor Islands.

Congressional certificates were presented by Abercrombie's Maui campaign coordinator, Karey Oura-Kapoi, and by Don Guzman, Hirono's representative on Maui.