BLNR Approves Emergency Rule for Mauna Kea Access

Demonstrations took place at Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island on June 24, 2015. Photo credit: Te Rawhitiroa

By Maui Now Staff

The Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources considered a proposed emergency rule at its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, July 10. 

The rule promotes safe access to the Mauna Kea summit on Hawai‘i Island by scheduling nighttime hours during which individuals “may not remain within a designated restricted area and also prohibits the presence of camping-related supplies within the restricted areas at all hours.”

After more than eight hours of public testimony, the Hawai‘i State Board of Land and Natural Resources voted 5-2 on Friday, July 10, to approve the following Mauna Kea access emergency rule:

Prohibited activities:

The area referred to in this rule as the “restricted area” is defined as any lands in the public hunting area that includes the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and one mile on either side of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access road.

As used in this rule, the term “transiting” means operating, or being a passenger in, a motor vehicle travelling at a reasonable and prudent speed and having regard to the actual and potential hazards and conditions then existing.

No person shall at any time possess or control in the restricted area any of the following items: sleeping bag, tent, camping stove, or propane burner.

No person shall enter or remain in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., unless the person is transiting through the restricted area on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road or is lawfully within or entering or exiting an existing observatory or a facility operated by the University of Hawai‘i.