Maunakea TMT Protestors and the "Lawful Hawaiian Government"

On July 14th, 2015 Hawaii Governor David Ige signed the new emergency rule that prohibits camping and restricts public access on Maunakea, the site of ongoing protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope. See: Ige signs Mauna Kea ‘emergency rule’

Law enforcement officers with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources gave notice to the self proclaimed protectors of Maunakea that they are in violation of the new emergency rule that is now in effect. See: VIDEO: DLNR Gives Third Notice On Mauna Kea

An organization that calls itself the "Lawful Hawaiian Government" has issued permits to the anti TMT protestors that allow them to stay on the mountain in violation of the DLNR emergency rule.

Henry Noa is the "Prime Minister" of the "Lawful Hawaiian Government." See: Lawful Hawaiian Government  The "Lawful Hawaiian Government" has also been known as the "Reinstated Hawaiian Government"  and also by other names.

Henry Noa, as part of a group known as the "Restored Hawaiian Goverment," was the plaintiff in a case that went to the Hawaii Supreme Court. In that case, State v. Armitage, decided January 28, 2014, the Hawaii Supreme Court  rejected arguments made by members of a Hawaiian sovereignty group that they were exempt from state law because they are “citizens” subject to the laws of the Hawaiian Kingdom. See: Hawaii Supreme Court rejects sovereignty defense

…individuals claiming to be citizens of an independent sovereign entity are not exempt from the state’s laws.

(Quote from Hawaii Supreme Court State v. Armitage Decision)

References

 

Wikipedia - List of Hawaiian sovereignty movement groups

Honolulu Magazine, November 2009 - Contenders to the Throne