Trolling Kahoolawe Waters Permitted Two Weekends

Map of Kahoolawe, courtesy KIRC.

By Sonia Isotov

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

All registered vessels may enter the Reserve to troll on Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13 Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and May 27.

All vessels must be registered annually with the KIRC and 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 in Wailuku.