Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews.
The bill, through amendments to section 6E-8 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, will enable the DHHL to designate a preservation officer with expertise in historic preservation to oversee these reviews. This change is expected to empower the DHHL in making decisions that reflect the interests of the Hawaiian community while ensuring that significant historical and cultural properties are preserved. However, the DHHL will still be required to report findings to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, maintaining some level of oversight to ensure compliance with state historic preservation guidelines.
House Bill 2418, relating to historic preservation reviews, proposes to amend existing laws concerning the oversight of projects affecting historic properties and burial sites within the jurisdiction of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This legislation aims to streamline the review process by allowing the DHHL to take on the responsibility for assessing the impact of proposed projects on historic properties or burial sites, which is currently under the purview of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The intent is to enhance the DHHL's role in protecting and managing these culturally significant sites.
Notably, a point of contention surrounding HB2418 may arise regarding the balance of power between state and local jurisdictions. While proponents argue that this bill will lead to more efficient management of historic properties, critics may raise concerns about potential oversights if localized context is not adequately considered in the assessment procedures. Furthermore, the bill only allows DHHL to review projects affecting lands under its jurisdiction, exempting those that impact properties recognized at a higher level of preservation, which could lead to debates about the adequacy of protections for vulnerable sites not covered by this new framework.