Two tour operators are being fined $2,500 each for providing illegal tours on Maunakea.
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the fines against Feng Yi Guo and Green Travel & Tour Inc., both apparently based in Hilo, last week.
Board documents note the area around the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, which is inside the Maunakea Forest Reserve, has become increasingly popular for sunset viewing and stargazing.
But operators are required to have a permit for tours within forest reserves.
Commercial tour permits are limited on Maunakea to eight operators.
According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, conservation division officers delivered cease and desist notices to Guo and Chun-Kai Huang of Green Travel in December, but the tours continued. DLNR says Guo’s company is thought to be Mao Yuan Corporation.