KAHOOLAWE - Waters around Kahoolawe will be open for trolling for permitted vessels on Dec. 8, 9, 22 and 23.
Under Hawaii law, all vessels must register annually with the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission before entering the reserve to troll during designated open-water trolling dates. A $25 permitting fee will be applied to the required registration process, and individuals may still register.
Access to reserve waters is restricted because of the presence of unexploded ordnance and to protect marine resources. Registered vessels need to file a catch report with the commission any time they fish in the reserve, whether fish are caught or not.
"Reserve waters" are within two nautical miles of Kahoolawe. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and other activities are prohibited.
To register or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi at 243-5889 or send email to dtokishi@kirc.hawaii.gov. To download an information packet, go online to kahoo lawe.hawaii.gov.
Packets also are available at the state Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation at 210 Imi Kala St., Suite 205, in Wailuku.
