Kahoolawe Opens This Weekend for Permitted Trolling

Map of Kahoolawe, courtesy KIRC.

By Sonia Isotov

Kahoolawe Island Reserve waters will be open for trolling for permitted fishing vessels for two weekends this month: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14; and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27 and 28.

By law, all vessels must register annually with the KIRC before entering the Reserve to troll during designated trolling dates. These 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.

Access to the Kahoolawe 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.

However, during two scheduled weekends each month, limited trolling is allowed in

File photo.

Reserve waters deeper than 30 fathoms for vessels permitted by the KIRC.

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

By law, failure to register with the KIRC may result in criminal and civil penalties. 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 first violation.

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.