On the waters off O‘ahu, a growing digital infrastructure tradition is quietly helping shape Hawai‘i’s next generation of IT professionals. fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) recently hosted its 3rd Annual Aloha Charity Fishing Tournament: Fishing for Futures, raising $40,000 to support technology education and workforce development across the islands. Held on January 17, 2026, ahead of the Pacific Telecom Council’s annual PTC’26 conference, the event highlighted how industry collaboration can directly advance technology education and workforce development across the islands.
All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chamber of Commerce Hawai’i’s Information Technology Sector Partnership Program, helping to expand technology education, training, and career pathways for students and jobseekers statewide. The initiative aligns with 1547’s ongoing investment in Hawai‘i through its local operations, including DRFortress and AlohaNAP, the state’s premier multi-tenant, carrier-neutral data centers that serve as key hubs in the region’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
This year’s tournament also reinforced 1547’s commitment to supporting the local economy by partnering with Hawai‘i-based vendors for catering, hospitality, and charter services. Event catering was provided by Aloha Culinary Group and Fin’s Bagels, while Whipsaw Sportfishing, a local O‘ahu-based charter, coordinated the fleet and donated a charter experience to the tournament winner. Additional local charter operators participating in the tournament included Golden Dragon, Limitless, Magic, Mattie, Play N Hooky, Reel Life, Renegade, Ruckus (Five Star Sportfishing), Ruckus (Ruckus Sportfishing & Diving), and Sea Hawk.
The tournament’s fundraising success was driven by the generous support of sponsors across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, including Allianca Group, Connect Data Centers Powered by Oppidan, DLA Piper, DRFortress, Harrison Street, Hawaiian Telcom, Holt Construction Mission Critical, Oberle Law, Stillwell-Hansen, TPK Consulting, Trane, Competitive Telecoms Group, iMiller Public Relations and WTEC Their contributions will directly support technology education and workforce development programs that help prepare the next generation of IT professionals in Hawai‘i.
“The 1547 Aloha Charity Fishing Tournament is a powerful expression of the Spirit of Aloha, uniting our industry around a shared purpose of investing in Hawai‘i’s future,” said J. Todd Raymond, CEO & Managing Director at 1547. “When we come together as a community, we can do more than build networks; we can open doors for the next generation of technologists, innovators, and leaders across the islands.”
Building on the momentum of the first three tournaments, which together have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Hawai‘i communities, the Aloha Charity Fishing Tournament has become a highly anticipated tradition ahead of the annual PTC conference, blending industry networking with philanthropy. Looking ahead, 1547 plans to expand the event’s reach and impact, with the 4th Annual Aloha Charity Fishing Tournament scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, followed by an awards presentation and barbecue at Ala Moana Regional Park in Honolulu. Those interested in participating in the 2027 tournament or learning more about 1547, AlohaNAP, and the company’s community initiatives can visit 1547’s website for additional information.
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