Kahoolawe Trolling Permitted Two Weekends In April

Map of Kahoolawe, courtesy KIRC.

By Sonia Isotov

The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) has announced the trolling schedule for permitted vessels for the month of April.

Trolling is permitted for registered vessels on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15 Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.

Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR 13-261) 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 $25.00 permitting fee will be applied to the required registration process.

Access to the Kahoolawe 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.

“Reserve waters” are defined as within two nautical miles of Kahoolawe island. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and/or any other activities are strictly prohibited.

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 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Road, Wailuku (under Buzz’s Wharf) and at Maui Sporting Goods at 92 North Market Street, Wailuku.