Hawaiian Fishermen Who Caught 220 Pounds of Tuna Continue 104-Year-Old Local's Legacy of Donating to Strangers

Five local Hawaiian fishermen went on a fishing trip with hopes of catching the finest fish they could to feed the domestic health workers fighting against coronavirus.

The men were in luck as they caught two yellowfin tuna fish amounting to a whopping 220 pounds. Kyle Nakamoto, one of the fishermen, said that they were inspired by 104-year-old Setsuo Todoroki, a local fisherman, who regularly caught fish and donated it to strangers who badly needed them.

In an interview with CNN, Nakamoto said Todoroki had passed away, but they hope that they could continue his legacy. He told reporters how he was the inspiration behind their project.

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Tuna Poke Bowls for Hawaiian Health Care Heroes

Their fresh catch was sent to a seafood distributor to have the fish cleaned, cooked, and turned into more than 300 bowls of one of Hawaii's most delectable dishes; poke. Poke can be described as a raw fish salad and is usually served as an appetizer or main course.

The food bowls were then sent to Straub Medical Center and The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. According to Travis Clegg, Straub Medical Center's chief operating officer, the hospital staff has been truly overwhelmed with all the support and generosity they have received.

He described how they were extremely grateful for all the donations they have received. The fresh ahi donation was especially helpful during this trying time for the medical frontliners in their difficult task of caring for patients afflicted with COVID-19, Clegg said. The hard work and effort put into catching and preparing the pleasant meal were much appreciated and uplifting, he added.

Helping Others is the Way to Go

Nakamoto, also the executive producer of the diving show, Hawaii Skin Diver TV, believes that the team was given an amazing opportunity. He explained how they simply wanted to give back and do something for the workers at local hospitals as a sign of their gratitude amidst the crisis.

Giving away two whole top of the line, grade-A tuna is a huge thing, according to Nakamoto, and they hope that their gesture was enough to make the health care heroes feel their appreciation towards them.

Furthermore, the group of fishermen also filmed an episode for Hawaii Skin Diver TV. In the footage, they showed their journey catching the fish for health care workers. The episode will air on Tuesday on Hawaiian TV channel Spectrum OC16.

Across the world, many people are also doing the same and feeding their local health care workers. A program called "Feed Your Hospital" is helping more than just hospitals, but also struggling businesses by nourishing the community and making it a more inclusive place. The programs stretch throughout different locations in the United States.

Feed Your Hospital is partnered nationally with Ascend, the largest, non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals in North America. By way of Ascend's 16 national chapters, members localize their own Feed Your Hospital drive, with assistance from Ascend's national leadership and Feed Your Hospital.