Kaho‘olawe Trolling Dates Announced for December

Kahoʻolawe. PC: Maui Now file image.

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission announced permitted trolling dates for this month: (from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday) on Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 21-22.  

Access to the Kahoʻolawe 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 permitted 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 Kahoʻolawe Island. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and/or any other activities are strictly prohibited.

Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules require that all vessels must register annually with the KIRC before entering the Reserve to troll during designated permitted 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.

To register with the KIRC, or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi at (808) 243-5022, [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.

NOTE: There is a new listed term and condition requiring that vessel hulls be free of Invasive Alien Specie.  Under the rule, permittees will be held accountable to prevent any invasive alien species, including plants or animals (ie. invasive algae, barnacles, etc.) into the Reserve marine environment.