The leader and six members of a Hawaiian group that took over 'Iolani Palace on Statehood Day, spurring calls for more security and oversight of the palace and its grounds, were charged yesterday with second-degree burglary.

Six members of the group will make their initial appearance before a judge today, answering to allegations that they unlawfully entered 'Iolani Palace "with the intent to commit a crime against property rights."

James Akahi, also identified as Akahi Nui and the leader of the group Free Hawaii, will appear in court Monday on the same felony charge.

The takeover attempt — and a separate takeover incident on 'Iolani Palace grounds in April — spurred the state Land Board last week to pass new rules governing the 11-acre grounds, explicitly barring "unauthorized occupation of the palace." The incidents also prompted officials to look into new security measures.

The rules, which still need to be approved by the governor, also spell out other prohibited activities for the palace grounds, including harassing palace workers or visitors and interfering with the public's use of the premises.

Kippen de Alba Chu, Friends of 'Iolani Palace executive director, said yesterday that he hopes the charges — and new security measures and rules — deter others from taking over the grounds.

"We hope it can be prevented," de Alba Chu said.

During Free Hawaii's takeover attempt of the palace on Aug. 15 — Statehood Day — members of the group broke into the palace and the 'Iolani Barracks building, raised their flag on the barracks flagpole and locked the gates around the palace.

Some 20 members of the group were arrested.

It's unclear, however, whether other group members will also face charges. The state attorney general's office did not return calls for comment yesterday.

Earlier this month, 15 members of the group who were arrested on criminal trespass charges had their bail returned to them while the prosecutor's office reviewed evidence against them. All the suspects posted $50 bail after their arrests, police have said.

The seven people charged yesterday with second-degree burglary are: Akahi; Grace Akahi, also known as Akahi Wahine; Wayne Nunes; Waynette Nunes; Terry N. Kaahanui; Tanya K. Kaahanui; and Vanessa Fimbres, the state attorney general's office said.

Meanwhile, another member of the group is facing a separate charge for assaulting a palace employee. Donald Alfred Love-Boltz was previously charged with second-degree assault for allegedly beating the facilities manager during the takeover.

The assault and burglary charges are Class C felonies, and both carry a sentence of up to five years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.

A spokesman for the group did not return a call for comment yesterday.

The Free Hawaii takeover in August came four months after a takeover by a different Hawaiian group. On April 30, the Hawaiian Kingdom Government locked the 'Iolani Palace gates in a takeover attempt, but did not enter the palace or any other buildings. The group then applied for state permits to "conduct business" on the lawn behind the palace.

De Alba Chu said the palace will seek bids in two weeks on new security measures, including cameras and alarm systems. He said the Friends of 'Iolani Palace plans to spend about $200,000 for that.

The Friends are responsible for helping manage palace activities, but the palace, surrounding buildings and grounds fall under the state's jurisdiction.