HONOLULU -- The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved new rules to protect Iolani Palace after a couple of recent incidents, where activists tried to takeover the historic monument.

It is the first time the state has created specific rules for one location.

The new state rules are aimed at preserving Iolani Palace and preventing another occupation.

On Statehood Day last month, authorities arrested 25 people after a Hawaiian sovereignty group stormed and briefly took over the palace. One of the protestors allegedly assaulted a palace employee.

Earlier this year in April, a different group chained the gates for two days.

"We feel the rules will help to protect the palace and the grounds as well as the artifacts inside," Iolani Palace Executive Director Kippen de Alba Chu said.

The new rules state that people cannot block public access to Iolani Palace, its building and the grounds.

"It's explicit that people cannot come onto the grounds, chain the fence and prevent access by the public," de Alba Chu said.

The rules also said that no one can remain on palace grounds when it is closed, no harassing or intimidating visitors and no signs greater than 12-square feet.

The leader of the one the groups, the Hawaiian Kingdom government, opposes the new rules. She said she does not acknowledge them.

"The rules... I think it's silly," said Mahealani Akau of the Hawaiian Kingdom. "This is the seat of government for the Hawaiian Kingdom. We have deeds that say this belongs to the Hawaiian Kingdom."

"We have been very sensitive to people's right to gather and express their views. That should not be impeded by the rules, but there are those who feel the state has no authority over the grounds. We feel otherwise," state Parks Administrator Dan Quinn said.

The state parks administrator said violators could face fines worth several thousand dollars. However, the big question is whether the new rules will actual prevent the takeovers.