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~ <br /> r.o. Bog to7 <br /> Na'alehu, Hawaii 96772 <br /> 80&929-7236 <br /> 808.929-8322 TeUFAX <br /> www.usalehu.org <br /> To: Hawaii County Council <br /> The Honorable Pete Hoffinan, Chair and Presiding Officer <br /> The Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Vice Chair <br /> From: Marge Elwell <br /> President of Na alehu Main Street <br /> Committee Date: October 3, 2007 <br /> 10:00 am <br /> Ben Franklin Building, Hilo Hawaii <br /> Subject: Support of Council Bill 176 <br /> Establishing a Hawai i County <br /> Cultural Resources Commission <br /> I am here on the behalf of Na'alehu Main Street Boazd of Directors and Members to support Bill 176, <br /> establishing a Hawaaz i County Council Cultural Resources Commission. Our mission statement: Historic <br /> Preservation with Economic Viability pretty much says it all. <br /> Since 1991, Na'alehu Main Street (NMS) has been a district leader for historical preservation. NMS has worked <br /> to preserve the unique architecture (Old Plantation Dispensary, Na' alehu Theatre, Naohuleloa Historical Church <br /> Gazden just to name a few), and cultural heritage events (4th of July Parade and Music Event), and we believe <br /> that historical preservation in an important element in the present and future quality of life and economic <br /> viability of the County. It has been proven by the National Trust Foundation that redevelopment of inter cities <br /> bring stronger economic machines and less crime. <br /> A preservation program, and eventually Certified Local Government, would implement the 2005 County <br /> General Plan. A local preservation commission would enable legislation for protecting the island's historic and <br /> cultural resources, which are key components of such a program. <br /> The Cultural Resources Comission (CRC) would be charged with protecting, preserving and perpetuating the <br /> historic and cultural resources of Hawai i County. As an advisory board, the CRC would review proposals that <br /> could impact the Island's historic and cultural sites as in Kaua i and Maui Counties and is consistent with the <br /> guidelines in the National Historic Preservation Act for Certified Local Governments (CLGs). <br /> The benefits of a local preservation commission aze numerous. The visitor industry benefits by protecting and <br /> enhancing a unique and distinctive destination that will attract heritage tourism. The County benefits by having <br /> a more effective and efficient means of tracking, reviewing, and monitoring planning and development projects <br /> that could impact historical sites. The Commission would have an official standing for input to State and federal <br /> undertakings under historic preservation statues, and qualifying, for certain funding sources. The general <br /> public benefits by a mechanism for community-based input into preservation issues and oppor~uni~es public <br /> comment and feedback on major proposals. ConmK PIa, (~o <br /> <br /> Please support Bill 176 Thank You, Mazge Elwell Ref. To: ~e ~K,~t ~ <br /> taf. Uate UCT 0 <br /> <br />