Following many years of seeking statutory authority to promulgate rules and weathering delays, administrative rules governing public and commercial activities on the University’s managed lands on Maunakea took effect on January 23. These rules are the result of an iterative process involving many redrafts incorporating public feedback received during extensive community outreach events, meetings and public hearings held over the years. The rules, as required by statute, are also consistent with rules of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) whose lands surround the University’s and comport with the State Auditor’s recommendation calling for rules to protect the resources by managing human activities.
The purpose of the rules is to provide for the proper use, management, and protection of cultural, natural, and scientific resources; to promote public safety and welfare by regulating public and commercial activities within the UH management areas; and to ensure safe and appropriate access to the UH management areas by the public. The rules are not about restricting access, but instead managing access for the protection of the resources and health and safety of those visiting Maunakea.
Some of the highlights of the rules are presented below:
Visiting Maunakea
All those visiting and working on Maunakea will be required to undergo an orientation to gain an awareness of the cultural significance of Maunakea and its unique and special resources, and how to visit the mountain safety and respectfully.
Fees collected from permits, parking, etc., shall be deposited into the Mauna Kea Lands Management Special Fund to be used only for management purposes.
Rules Centered on Preservation of the Resources
Similar to the DLNR’s rules which purpose is about protecting and preserving resources, UH’s rules allows access but disallows activities that will harm the resources, such as:
Removing or disturbing plant or animal life, or natural features
Hiking or conducting activities on cinder cones unless on designated trails or roads
Interfering with scientific and educational operations of research equipment, including astronomical facilities such as the use of radio transmitters, two-way radios, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices and cell phones, except for emergency purposes or when in airplane mode
Other Prohibited Activities
Littering, starting or maintaining a fire and camping
Possession or use of fireworks, firecrackers or explosive devices of any kind, firearms, bows and arrows, and other weapons except with a DLNR hunting permit
Possession or use of hazardous materials
Use of drugs or alcohol; smoking and tobacco use
Possession of animals, except for hunting dogs
Snow play
Snow play may be restricted or limited to designated areas to maintain public safety, prevent damage to resources, or to minimize use conflicts
Formally or informally organized contests or other similar snow play events are prohibited
Use of snowmobiles or other motorized vehicles for snow recreation are not allowed
Vehicles and transportation
All vehicles are required to drive within posted speed limits.
Use of two-wheel vehicles north of Halepōhaku are prohibited; two-wheel vehicles propelled by peddling requires registration
Driving or operating any type of vehicle other than on designated roads or trails is prohibited
Launching or landing any air conveyances such as gliders, parachutes, balloons, drones or air toys of any kind are prohibited
No parking along roadways except in designated areas
Vehicles may be towed to a place of storage if left unattended in closed areas, left longer than forty-eight hours, or causing a safety hazard
In all cases where an activity is prohibited, an exemption may be requested by applying for a special use permit. These applications will be evaluated based on the use, compatibility with management plans, existing uses and activities, and impacts to the resources.
