Access to Kahoʻolawe is strictly restricted primarily due to the severe danger posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining from decades of military training. This hazard makes both the island and its surrounding waters unsafe for unauthorized entry.
The Persistent Danger of Unexploded Ordnance
From the mid-20th century, Kahoʻolawe served as a bombing and live-fire training range for the U.S. military. This extensive use left behind a significant amount of unexploded ordnance scattered across the island's landscape and within its surrounding marine environment. Even after the island was returned to the State of Hawaii in 1994, the extensive contamination by UXO continues to pose a critical safety risk.
- Risk to Life and Limb: Unexploded ordnance can detonate upon contact, causing severe injury or death.
- Environmental Contamination: Beyond the direct explosion risk, UXO can also leak harmful chemicals into the soil and ocean, further impacting the ecosystem.
Restricted Areas for Safety
To mitigate these dangers, strict access restrictions are enforced. The entire Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve is off-limits to the general public. This reserve encompasses:
- The island of Kahoʻolawe itself
- The 2 miles of ocean surrounding Kahoʻolawe
This buffer zone in the ocean is crucial because ordnance can also be found beneath the water's surface, posing a threat to divers, fishermen, and boaters.
| Restricted Area | Primary Reason for Restriction |
|---|---|
| Kahoʻolawe Island | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| 2 Miles of Ocean Around Kahoʻolawe | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
Beyond UXO: Cultural and Ecological Preservation
While the unexploded ordnance is the primary reason for restricted access, Kahoʻolawe is also a culturally significant wahi pana (sacred place) for Native Hawaiians and an important ecological habitat. Its protection is multi-faceted, aiming to:
- Facilitate Ongoing Cleanup Efforts: Extensive and dangerous cleanup operations are still necessary to remove the UXO. These operations require a controlled environment.
- Support Cultural Restoration: The island is managed by the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) with a focus on cultural, historical, and environmental restoration. Limited access for specific cultural, educational, and restoration purposes is granted under strict supervision.
- Protect Fragile Ecosystems: The island's recovery from military bombardment is a long process, and unrestricted access would jeopardize delicate restoration efforts.
For more detailed information on Kahoʻolawe's history, management, and ongoing efforts, you can visit the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission website.
