Fisherman Allowed In Kahoolawe Waters This Weekend

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

By Sonia Isotov

Special permitted fishing will be allowed this weekend in waters surrounding the island of Kahoolawe between the hours of 12:01 a.m Saturday to 11:59 p.m Sunday.

Due to the continued presence of unexploded ordnance – dangerous to public health and safety – on Kaho‘olawe and its submerged lands and waters, unauthorized entry into the Reserve is normally prohibited.

Vessel Owners must register their vessel with the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) and apply for a Right of Entry Permit for Open Trolling in Zone B, prior to entering the Reserve. Annual permits for open waters trolling in Zone B are required, and a $25.00 permitting fee will be applied to the KIRC vessel registration process.

The Kaho’olawe Island Reserve (defined as the submerged lands and waters within two nautical miles of the island) is divided into two zones; Zones A and B. These zones are defined as:

• Zone A: Includes the island of Kaho’olawe and all the submerged lands and waters between the shoreline of Kaho’olawe and the 30-fathom (180 ft.) depth which surrounds Kaho’olawe. Unauthorized entry into Zone A is prohibited at all times except in case of emergency.
• Zone B: All waters and submerged lands between the 30-fathom (180 ft.) depth surrounding Kaho’olawe and two nautical miles from the shoreline of the island. Unauthorized entry into Zone B is prohibited at all times except for trolling as authorized by KIRC on the days stipulated by the Open Waters Schedule or in case of emergency. Trollers must remain underway, making way at all times while in Zone B. All other fishing, ocean recreation, and any other activities are strictly prohibited.

A full schedule of open trolling weekends and vessel registration information for 2011 is posted on the KIRC website.