Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission sets October trolling dates

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced two weekends in October when limited trolling will be permitted in reserve waters around Kahoʻolawe.

The approved dates are Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 24-25, running from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday each weekend, according to the commission. For the complete 2026 trolling schedule, click here.

Access to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve is generally restricted due to the presence of unexploded ordnance on and around the island, as well as to protect marine resources, the commission said. On designated weekends, however, permitted vessels may troll in waters more than 30 fathoms deep within the reserve, which extends two nautical miles from Kahoʻolawe. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial activity and other uses remain prohibited in reserve waters.

Under Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules 13-261, vessels must register annually with the commission before entering the reserve to troll on the designated dates. A $25 permitting fee applies to the registration. Registered vessels must also file a catch report with the commission each time they fish in the reserve, regardless of whether fish are caught.

The commission has added a new permit condition addressing invasive species. Permittees will be held responsible for preventing invasive plants or animals—such as invasive algae or barnacles—from entering the reserve’s marine environment, and vessel hulls must be free of invasive species, according to the commission.

Boaters who fail to register with the commission may face criminal and civil penalties. Criminal violations can carry a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail, according to the commission. Administrative fines can reach $10,000 for a first violation, $15,000 for a second violation within five years and $25,000 for a third or subsequent violation within five years of the prior offense, under Hawaiʻi law.

To register or get more information, contact Dean Tokishi at 808-243-5022 or dean.tokishi@hawaii.gov, or visit kahoolawe.hawaii.gov to download a registration packet. Packets are also available at the Division of Boating and Recreation office at 101 Māʻalaea Boat Harbor Road in Wailuku. Completed documents and payment can currently be dropped off in the commission’s office mailbox, with permits mailed back to applicants, the commission said.