The back gate to the Iolani Palace grounds was opened around 2:15 p.m. today in response to a request from Gary Moniz, head of law enforcement for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

All entry to the grounds had been blocked since early this morning by a Native Hawaiian organization that erected no-trespassing signs, saying the grounds are the property of the "Hawaiian Kingdom."

But since Moniz spoke with the group, anybody is now free to come and go through the back gate.

The Hawaiian group that has occupied the grounds since early this morning say they plan to leave by 5 p.m. today and return tomorrow.

About 70 people with the "Hawaiian Kingdom Government" gathered on palace grounds beginning at 5:30 a.m. today.

Shortly after noon, Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa and HPD spokesman Maj. Frank Fujii approached the palace grounds and asked to speak with the leader of the group, Mahealani Asing Kahau.

They were allowed onto the grounds and spoke with Kahau, surrounded by members of the sovereignty group.

The police officers were not wearing uniforms. Fujii wore an aloha shirt, and the chief was wearing a suit.

In response to a question, Fujii said that Correa is part-Hawaiian.

That meeting broke up after about 20 minutes.

Afterward, Kahau said Correa had advised her that arrest warrants were being prepared for possible use by officers with the state DLNR in the event they do not leave the palace grounds.

She said they would not resist if arrested. But she said if they're arrested, they will return to the palace tomorrow.

Before the back gate was reopened this afternoon, signs were posted on the gates and only kanaka — those with Hawaiian bloodlines — along with media were being allowed entrance to the grounds.

Officials with the state DLNR and sheriff's deputies stayed off the palace grounds. They watched from outside the gates but did not make any arrests or enter the grounds.

The Hawaiian organization says it is the rightful owner of the palace and it is time to assume and resume its official seat on 'Iolani grounds.

Security guards representing the Kingdom have been posted at each gate and they are giving out applications to those wanting to be recognized by the organization.

DLNR is in charge of the 'Iolani grounds.

Louise Kim-McCoy, spokeswoman for the sheriff's department, said they are monitoring the situation.

Shortly before 2 p.m., about 40 to 45 faculty and students from Halau Lokahi Public Charter School arrived at the palace grounds, some to document the events taking place today from the Hawaiian perspective and others to offer spiritual support for the group, according to teacher Hina Wong.

Here is a statement from the executive director of 'Iolani Palace.