Kahoʻolawe Permitted Trolling Schedule for August 2015

Map of Kahoolawe, courtesy KIRC.

By Maui Now Staff

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced the trolling schedule for permitted vessels only for August 2015.  The schedule includes permitted trolling from Aug. 1-2 and 15-16, between 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules require that all vessels must register annually with the KIRC before entering the Reserve to troll during designated trolling dates.

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 permitting fee is applied to the required registration process.

Representatives with the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission say access to the reserve waters is highly restricted because of the continued presence of unexploded ordnance, as well as for the protection of marine resources; however, during two scheduled weekends each month, limited trolling is allowed in reserve waters deeper than 30 fathoms for vessels permitted by the KIRC.

Reserve waters are those located within two nautical miles of Kahoʻolawe Island. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and/or any other activities are strictly prohibited.

To register with the KIRC, or for more information, the public is invited to contact Dean Tokishi by phone at (808) 243-5889, by email at [email protected], or visit kahoolawe.hawaii.gov to download a registration packet. Registration packets are also available at the Division of Boating and Recreation at 101 Māʻalaea Boat Harbor Road.

Failure to register with the KIRC may result in criminal and civil penalties. The KIRC notes that criminal penalties may result in 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.