Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Highway 160 Honaunau, HI 96726 IN REPLY REFER TO: l0D PUHO-VRP Closure Order # 24-001 July 11, 2024 Closures, restrictions and public use limits: Closure Order - Restrictions and Public Use Limits: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(l), the following closure will be in effect: All areas within Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will be closed to visitation from 12:01 am on July 14, 2024 until 7:00 am on July 17, 2024. The park will resume normal operating hours at 7:00 am on July 17, 2024 Authority: 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(l) Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Histo1ical Park, including park visitors and stakeholders. This order does not apply to the pem1ittee (Na Hoa Aloha o ka Pu'uhonua o Honaunau) or any individuals invited by the permittee to participate in the ceremonies as part of the special use permit. Finding:The NPS issues this administrative order to avoid conflict among visitor use activities. The closure is necessary to accommodate access for ceremonial use and provide for privacy in the perfom1ance of spiritual practices for a Native Hawaiian organization with lineal ties to sites within Pu 'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. This order is in alignment with NPS Management Policies and with Executive Order 13007 on Sacred Sites. This closure has been approved in writing by the Regional Director of the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service. Approval: PAUL SCOLARI Digitally signed by PAUL SCOLARI Superintendent Date: 2024.07.11 12:06:01 -10'00'
I. 36 CFR §1.5 – Visting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, and Area Designations for Specific Use or Activities(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:Visiting Hours
Determination: Overnight use and camping is prohibited in the park, and access roads are closed by gates. There is no reason for a vehicle to remain in the park overnight. It is necessary to restrict hours that the public may enter an area in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities during nighttime hours. It is also necessary for visitor safety. Public Use LimitsUnder the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) the following activities are restricted in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, effective immediately, until further notice: Gatherings or Picnics Visitor groups of more than 25 people who wish to gather or picnic in the park must obtain a permit. Gatherings and picnics of more than 25 people are restricted to the Picnic Area. Determination: The picnic area is the only place that can accommodate gatherings and picnics while protecting resources and minimizing the impact of a large group on other visitors; a permit is necessary to manage the activity. All weddings must obtain a permit. Weddings are limited to a group size of 50 people. Wedding ceremonies are allowed south of the Great Wall to the end of the picnic parking lot and makai (on the ocean side) of the parking lot, within the picnic area only. Determination: Wedding parties of more than 50 people detract from the cultural values of the park and interfere with other visitors’ ability to view and access the shoreline, and natural and cultural features. ClosuresUnmanned Aircraft Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad-copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Hiking §2.1(b) Hiking or other pedestrian use is restricted to the footpaths in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua and the designated and maintained trails listed below. Hiking is allowed on the shoreline. Designated trails are shown in the official park brochure.
Determination: Archeological sites and features in the park are comprised of dry-stack (no mortar) stonework, loose stone work, pits, soft-lava trails, or loose midden material that may be difficult for the untrained eye to see and which are easily disturbed or damaged by off-trail pedestrian use. Due to the arid environment many native plants within the park are small and have thin, shallow root material that is easily damaged and/or dislodged when tread upon. Fishing §2.3 (c) Determination: Fishing is prohibited in anchialine pools to prevent disturbance and contamination of these fragile ecosystems and to protect populations of endemic shrimp.
Determination: This park is designated as day use only. These conditions are established to protect the resources and protect public safety during hours of limited staffing. There are many other public lands nearby which offer camping opportunities. Picnicking §2.11 Determination: The Royal Grounds and the Pu’uhonua area traditionally sacred areas with many cultural features. Picnicking detracts from the cultural Hawaiian values of this area. Picnicking is prohibited in the Amphitheatre to prevent interruption of park interpretive talks and park activities.
Determination: The above locations are small areas where visitors congregate to enjoy park facilities, attractions and beaches. To prevent visitor conflicts and exposure to second-hand smoke, these areas are closed to smoking. Both the State and County of Hawaii have banned smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on State and County beaches. Swimming §3.16 Determination: Anchialine pools are fragile ecosystems that support endemic species. Swimming is prohibited to prevent contamination from sunscreen, body oils or other materials and to prevent disturbance to animals. Anchialine pools are cultural and archeological sites and entering them for swimming may damage historically significant features. Filming §5.5(a) (a)(2) The following areas are designated for a specific use or activity and/or the following conditions or restrictions are imposed on a specific use or activity:See maps for area and activity restrictions Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity:Weddings Conditions and Restrictions on Specific Uses or Activities:Passenger Carrying Buses Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
Determination: Cultural deposits are known to exist throughout the park and digging or ground disturbance is prohibited to protect cultural and archeological features. Archeological sites and features in the park are comprised of dry-stack (no mortar) stone work, loose stone work, pits, soft-lava trails, or loose midden material that may be difficult for the untrained eye to see; therefore, these features may be inadvertently damaged by digging or ground disturbance.
Determination: Because shade trees are a limited resource, are an attractive place to gather, and hammocks/slack-lines take up a large space among two or more shade trees, to minimize visitor conflicts and afford adequate shade access for all park visitors, hammocks may not be attached to trees. Cords, cables and straps used to suspend hammocks/slacklines can also cause damage to trees.
Determination: Kites or any motorized flying plane or toy may cause disturbance of endangered species and migratory waterbirds. Kites may interfere with the cultural landscape and visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the area.
Determination: Broken balloons disperse into the ocean and land environments and are inhalation and ingestion hazards to birds, sea turtles and marine mammals.
Determination: To protect park resources (trees, grasses, thatched structures) from fire, use of tiki torches or other types of ignited candles or lanterns is prohibited. Determination: The use of these items detracts from the cultural landscape of the area and detracts from the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established. Digging or disturbing soil to secure structures is not allowed due to the presence of cultural resources in the substrate. Moving rocks to support freestanding tents and umbrellas often disturbs cultural resources; use of rocks from cultural sites is prohibited by 36 CFR 2.1.
Determination: The use of these items detracts from the cultural landscape of the area and detracts from the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established. Sunbathing, picnicking and beach activities interfere with visitors’ understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the cultural landscape. Determination: Setting up easels and painting in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua interferes with other visitors’ use and enjoyment of the area and detracts from the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.
Determination: This is to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources along the shoreline and to protect human safety.
Determination: Keone’ele Cove is an archeological site with subsurface resources. Keone’ele Cove is occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, swimmers entering the water detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.
Determination: Keone’ele Cove and Paumoa are archeological sites with subsurface resources. Vessels landing on the beach may disturb or uncover these resources. Both areas are occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels, including kayaks and rafts, disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, vessels landing on the beach detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.
Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural resources from damage and vandalism. This site is considered sacred.
Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural and natural resources from damage and vandalism, theft and inappropriate use.
Determination: The park is small and unattended property may interfere with park operations and with visitor enjoyment of the cultural landscape. Due to the abundance of cultural sites within the park that are not obvious to an untrained person, geocaching is prohibited to protect against disturbance of cultural sites
Areas of Authorized Use: OPDMDs which meet the above criteria are allowed in the following locations within Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP:
Determination: This provides for the use of OPDMD within the park by Mobility Impaired persons and the protection of park resources from recreational activities inconsistent with park management. The NPS is subject to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federally assisted and federally conducted programs and activities. The NPS notes the Department of Justice interprets requirements under Section 504 consistently with those under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which include requirements governing “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” (OPDMDs) at 28 CFR 35.137. When used by persons with disabilities, the NPS considers e-bikes to be OPDMDs and therefore, the requirements and policies governing OPDMDs under the ADA will apply to the use of e-bikes for purposes of compliance with Section 504.
Determination: This is necessary to prevent littering and sanitation issues caused by searching trash cans for recyclable refuse.
Determination: This is necessary to prevent littering and sanitation issues caused by searching trash cans for recyclable refuse. 36 CFR §1.6 – Activities that Require a PermitActivities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.
§1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
§2.5(a) Scientific Research, Research Specimens collection (Taking of plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals).
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
§2.62 Memorialization:
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).§5.4(a) Commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles§5.5 Filming & Still Photography:§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads36 CFR §2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:Park Wide
Determination: Caves, lava tubes and burial sites are closed to protect cultural and natural resources and to provide for public safety in unstable lava tubes or caves. Items draped on cultural sites interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the cultural landscape and cultural values for which the park was established. Entering Keoneʻele CoveEntering Keone‘ele Cove beyond the barriers is prohibited. Determination: Keone’ele Cove is an archeological site with subsurface resources. Keone’ele Cove is occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, swimmers entering the water detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established. Lauching & Landing of WatercraftLaunching and landing of canoes, kayaks, rubber rafts or other motorized or non-motorized vessels are prohibited in Keone‘ele Cove and Paumoa Cove. Determination: Keone’ele Cove and Paumoa are archeological sites with subsurface resources. Vessels landing on the beach may disturb or uncover these resources. Both areas are occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels, including kayaks and rafts, disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, vessels landing on the beach detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established. Hale o KeaweAccess into Hale o Keawe is prohibited. Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural resources from damage and vandalism. This site is considered sacred. Hiking & Pedestrian Traffic(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section 1.5 of this document. Certain areas are closed to hiking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) “Closures”. CollectingUnder, §2.1(a) collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1(c), the following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:
Determination: The gathering of these fruits in these amounts and within the location will not adversely affect park resources. Extreme care must be exercised in the collection so as not to damage the host plant or surrounding vegetation. If a harmful effect on wildlife or vegetation is observed, the collection of noni fruit will be prohibited.
36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife Protection(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
36 CFR §2.3 – Fishing(e) Fishing in saltwater with net, spear or weapon, are authorized in the following areas only and in the following manner:
36 CFR §2.4 – Weapons, Traps, and Nets(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations:
36 CFR §2.11 – PicnickingCertain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) “Closures”. Conditions for Picnicking:
36 CFR §2.13 – Fires(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted: Designated Areas:
Receptacles Allowed:
Established Conditions for Fires:
(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.14 – Sanitation & Refuse(a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.15 – Pets(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.17 – Aircraft & Delivery(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization. Authorization may be requested from the Superintendent’s Office at the Park Headquarters. 36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking: The smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and the use of E-cigarettes or Vapor Cigarettes or similar devices is prohibited in all government buildings, structures or facilities and within the following outdoor areas of the park:
Determination: The above locations are small areas where visitors congregate to enjoy park facilities, attractions and beaches. To prevent visitor conflicts and exposure to second-hand smoke, these areas are closed to smoking. Both the State and County of Hawaii have banned smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on State and County beaches. 36 CFR §2.22 – Property(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.23 – Recreation Fees(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses: Entrance Fee Areas: Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Park is a designated fee area as mandated by 36 CFR Section 71.3(a) and requires an entrance fee.
The collection of recreation fees will be suspended during the following periods:
36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages & Controlled Substancesa)(3)(i) The following areas and facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
36 CFR §2.37 – Noncommercial SolicitingSoliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52. 36 CFR §2.50 – Special Eventsa) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §2.51 – Demonstrations(b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity. (c)(2) The following location is designated as available for demonstrations:
36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, or in the following areas and according to the following conditions:
36 CFR §3.16 – Swimming & WadingSwimming or wading is allowed in waters, subject to closures or restrictions designated in §1.5 of this document. 36 CFR §4.10 – Travel on Park Roads & Routes(a), (b) Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except on park roads, routes and areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use. Designated park roads are shown on the official park brochure and are limited to:
There are no roads, routes or areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use. 36 CFR §4.21 – Speed Limits(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
36 CFR §4.30 – Bicycles(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use. Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in §1.5 of this document.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring. Area & Activity Restriction MapsMap:
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Last updated: October 24, 2024