The state already allows such use on some trails in the in the Upper Waiakea ATV/dirt bike park on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Officials said that staff and riders determined the second area on the Big Island is suitable for off-road vehicles to ride safely and "with minimal disturbance to the forest environment."

State land board chairman Peter Young said the state worked with an organization called the "ATV Riders of Hawai'i" to identify suitable roads that can accommodate responsible riding, and will be posting signs so users will have a clear indication of where they can ride and where it is prohibited.

Within Mauna Kea forest reserve, old gravel quarries were being used as off-road race tracks that extended into the native forest. He said the state will actively enforce closure to the quarry site because these trails have degraded the quality of the native forest and created ruts and scars that will last for several decades if not mitigated.

Riders speeding on narrow, winding forest roads created a hazard to other recreation vehicles and interfered with game bird hunting due to the increased OHV sound levels and use in random locations, Young said.

Young said most riders are law-abiding citizens, and "simply don't know where they can ride or how sensitive the landscape is in this high elevation." The riding area consists of two jeep roads, R-10 (Skyline road) and R-1 (the Na Ala Hele Mauna Kea access road). Total length one way is 40.4 miles and users can ride in both directions.

The state recommends that all riders/operators of non-licensed vehicle, ATV, motorcycle, dune buggies, etc. while on these roads wear bright-colored clothing.