Kahoʻolawe Permitted Trolling Announced for May

Kahoʻolawe newsletter. Courtesy image credit: KIRC.

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced the trolling schedule for permitted vessels only for May 2016.  Trolling will allowed for permitted vessels between 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday for May 7-8 and May 21-22.

Hawai ‘i 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 permitting fee will be applied to the required registration process.

There is also a new listed term and condition for the prevention of Invasive Alien Species in which the permittee will be held accountable to prevent any invasive alien species, plant or animal (ie. invasive algae, barnacles, etc.), into the Reserve regarding the marine environment. the term also advises that vessel hulls should be free of any invasive alien species.

Access to the Kaho’olawe 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 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.

To register with the KIRC, or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi at 808-243-5889, [email protected], or visit kahoolawe.hawaii.gov to download a registration packet. Registration packets are also available at the Division of Boating and Recreation (DOBOR) at 101 Ma’alaea Boat Harbor Road, Wailuku.

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 last violation [HRS §6K-8, 8.5].