Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR161

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Restore Respect And Dignity To The Only Royal Palace In The Nation.

Impact

The proposed actions within H.R. 161 include a request for a cost analysis and potential legislation to remove existing paid parking adjacent to the palace. Once the parking area is eliminated, the bill calls for the revitalization and maintenance of palace grounds, intended to reflect their original landscaping as closely as possible, based on archival photographs. This alteration aims to enhance the palace's historical integrity and appeal, which is expected to positively impact tourism and local pride in Hawaiian heritage.

Summary

H.R. 161 is a resolution urging the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Department of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii to take action regarding Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. This bill emphasizes the significance of Iolani Palace as a cultural and historical icon, not only for residents of Hawaii but also for visitors worldwide. The resolution aims to restore the dignity of the palace, which currently houses a parking blacktop that detracts from its historical context.

Contention

Although the resolution itself does not seem to face significant opposition, it addresses a critical point of contention regarding how historical sites are maintained and presented to the public. Supporters believe that removing contemporary modifications like parking areas is necessary to honor the significance of Iolani Palace. Conversely, there may be concerns about the potential loss of accessible parking for the influx of tourists and visitors, which could affect visitation rates and local businesses reliant on tourism.

Notable_points

Overall, H.R. 161 not only seeks to restore Iolani Palace to a state befitting its historic status but also acts as a reflection of the broader efforts to respect and preserve Hawaiian culture and history. By urging state departments to take specific actions, the resolution highlights the importance of government involvement in cultural and historical preservation, signifying a commitment to the state's rich heritage.

Companion Bills

HI HCR166

Same As Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Restore Respect And Dignity To The Only Royal Palace In The Nation.

Previously Filed As

HI HB2679

Relating To Restoring Respect And Dignity To America's Only Royal Palace In The Nation.

HI HCR211

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI HR191

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI HB2319

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI SB2821

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI HB457

Relating To Iolani Palace.

HI HB457

Relating To Iolani Palace.

HI SCR210

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Community Gardens On Underutilized Public Land.

HI SR186

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Community Gardens On Underutilized Public Land.

HI HR26

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Protect Hawaii's Waters And Resources By Prohibiting Seabed Mining.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.