Circuit Court Grants Partial Motion Invalidating Emergency Rule

The Circuit Court of the Third Circuit granted a partial motion Friday for summary judgement that has the effect of invalidating the Mauna Kea emergency rule.

In a joint statement, Attorney General Ching and Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Susan Case said the following:

“The State acknowledges the Court’s decision and will abide by it. We remind people traveling to Mauna Kea that even in light of today’s ruling existing laws and rules remain. It is always illegal to block the road. This includes standing in the road or placing obstructions in the road. These laws will continue to be enforced.”

On July 10, the BLNR passed the 120-day emergency ruling that limits usage of the Mauna Kea Access Road between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The emergency rules also limit items associated with camping, including tents, sleeping bags, and other similar items.

Governor David Ige signed the BLNR’s 120-day emergency rules on July 14.