David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – To promote safe access to the Mauna Kea summit on Hawai‘i Island, the State has proposed an emergency rule to be considered by the Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources at its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, July 10, 2015.  The proposed rule schedules 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.

Attorney General Doug Chin explained, “In recent weeks dozens of people have camped on the grounds or remained parked in cars for prolonged periods, either on or near the access road to Mauna Kea.  Boulders and rock walls have been placed on the road.  Invasive species have been introduced.  Unauthorized toilets have been placed on the grounds.  Individuals remaining in the area have reportedly caused visitors and workers to feel harassed.  Consumption of water, which must be trucked up the mountain, is at record high usage.  All of this has occurred in a partially graveled, steeply graded area without markings or guardrails.”

Suzanne Case, DLNR Chairperson said, “The Department of Land and Natural Resources has been delegated the power and duty to manage and regulate all lands which may be set apart as game management areas, public hunting areas, and wildlife sanctuaries.  The Department is authorized to promulgate rules to carry out these duties.  These rules concern the preservation, protection, regulation, extension, and utilization of, and conditions for entry into wildlife sanctuaries, game management areas, and public hunting areas.”

The proposed rule can be reviewed online at:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/files/2015/07/13-123-21.2-draft.pdf

 

The proposed rule can also be reviewed in person at:

DOFAW Office on O‘ahu at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, Hawai‘i  96813 or at the DOFAW Office on Hawai‘i Island at 19 E. Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 during regularly scheduled business hours.

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Media Contacts:

 

Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General

Joshua Wisch

Special Assistant to the Attorney General

(808) 586-1284

 

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources

Dan Dennison

Senior Communications Manager

(808) 587-0407