Commercial Fishing Allowed in Kahoolawe Waters This Weekend

U.S. Coast Guard file photo courtesy PA3 Michael De Nyse.

By Sonia Isotov

The Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) has announced the trolling schedule for permitted vessels for the month of March, 2011.

Commercial and recreational fishing will be allowed on two weekends in March within two nautical miles of Kaho`olawe island:

• Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, 2011
• Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, 2011

All vessels must register with the KIRC before entering the Reserve waters. Registered vessels are also required to file a catch report with the KIRC any time they fish in the Reserve, whether fish are caught or not. A $25.00 permitting fee will be applied to the required registration process.

Access to the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve waters is severely restricted due to the continued presence of unexploded ordnance, as well as for the protection of marine resources within the Reserve. However, during two scheduled weekends each month, limited trolling is allowed in Reserve waters deeper than 30 fathoms for vessels permitted by the KIRC.

Failure to register with the KIRC may result in criminal penalties of a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment up to 30 days; administrative penalties may result in a fine of up to $10,000 for a first violation; $15,000 for a second violation within five years; and, as much as $25,000 for a third or subsequent violation within five years of the last violation

The Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) was established by the Hawai`i State Legislature in 1993 to manage the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve while it is held in trust for a future Native Hawaiian sovereign entity. The KIRC establishes policies and usage of the island and its surrounding waters through comprehensive restoration and monitoring programs. The KIRC Cultural Program integrates a Native Hawaiian cultural perspective into all programs and activities. The organization is managed by a seven-member Commission and a committed staff.

To register with the KIRC, or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi at 808-243-5889, [email protected], or visit http://kahoolawe.hawaii.gov to download a registration packet. Registration packets are also available at the Division of Boating and Recreation (DOBOR) at 210 Imi Kala Street, Suite 205, Wailuku and at Maui Sporting Goods at 92 North Market Street, Wailuku.