Trolling Kaho’olawe Waters Allowed in December

Map of Kahoolawe, courtesy KIRC.

By Sonia Isotov

Permitted trolling in the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve during December is allowed on two weekends and two “talk story” information sessions are also planned, according to the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC).

The KIRC announced the trolling schedule for December to be on these weekends: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9; and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22 and 23

According to Hawai’i Administrative Rules (HAR 13-261) it is required that all vessels must register annually with the KIRC before entering the reserve to troll during designated trolling dates. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and/or any other activities are strictly prohibited.

Kahoolawe’s island restoration. Photos courtesy CHNA.

Access to the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve waters is highly restricted because of the continued presence of unexploded ordnance, as well as for the protection of marine resources within the reserve.

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.

In addition, the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), Ocean Resources Program will be hosting two ‘talk story’ sessions for registered permitted trollers and the interested public. Discussed in the sessions will be permitted trolling catch reports and current issues of the reserve followed by a question and answer session.

‘Talk Story’ sessions will be held at the Lihikai Elementary School cafeteria in Kahului on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Friday, Jan. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you would like to sign up or have questions, please 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 Inri Kala Street, Suite 205, Wailuku.