Relating To Historic Preservation.
This bill aims to capitalize on technological advancements and funding to improve archaeological survey methods within the State. It proposes to allocate funds for a state-of-the-art archaeological survey using remote sensing, aerial, and satellite imagery. Also, it emphasizes the need to collect crucial data regarding burial sites and ensure thorough documentation of historic buildings and structures. By facilitating these initiatives, the bill could enhance the efficiency of the planning process for development projects and potentially safeguard important cultural heritage.
House Bill 766 focuses on enhancing the management and protection of historic properties and burial sites in Hawaii through the establishment of comprehensive statewide inventories. The absence of such inventories is currently impeding project planning for developers, legislators, and numerous state and county agencies. Without accurate knowledge of where these historic properties and burial sites are located, there are frequent delays and redesigns of projects, which can incur significant costs. The bill intends to address these issues by appropriating necessary funding to the State's historic preservation division for these inventories.
Notably, there may be contention regarding the allocation of funds specified in the bill. While it addresses a significant gap in the existing preservation efforts, the exact amounts earmarked for each component of the proposed comprehensive inventory and surveys have not been clearly defined, which could lead to disputes over prioritization and resource distribution. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the implications of increased surveillance and data collection on private properties, especially if they intersect with historical sites, raising issues about privacy and land use rights.