2024-06-28 PL-INT-2024-008101 Cultural Surveys Hawaii, Inc. Category PL.1

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Planning Department, County of Hawai`i Page 4 Osteology Osteological identification of remains is often an important part of archaeological work. Hawai`i Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 13 states: The legislature finds that Native Hawaiian burial sites are especially vulnerable and often not afforded the protection of law which assures dignity and freedom from unnecessary disturbance. (HAR §13-300-1) When skeletal remains are encountered, it is critical to assess the remains and if the remains are human, implement interim protection measures in a timely manner. CSH has six specially trained osteologists on staff and can quickly respond to potential discoveries of human remains. CSH osteologists will use field observations and reference materials to determine first if remains are human, indeterminate, or faunal. If the remains are determined to be human, the context in which remains are located will be used as well as taphonomic evidence to assess whether the remains are likely 50 years or older to determine agency jurisdiction. The archaeological context, including known historical information about the area, will inform a determination as to whether the remains are likely Native Hawaiian. CSH osteologists routinely work with the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and Island Burial Councils to report on findings and consult on interim protection measures. CSH project managers are intimately familiar with historic preservation laws and regulations relating to human burials and work closely with lineal and cultural descendants, SHPD, and island burial councils to develop plans for burial treatment. Cultural Resources Mapping For almost two decades, CSH has been building a geographic information system (GIS) database of archaeological and cultural resources. Information comes from such sources as georeferenced historic maps, archaeological and cultural studies produced by CSH and other cultural resource management firms, soil maps, and Land Commission Awards. Paired with GIS information issued by various island county agencies on infrastructure and tax maps, CSH can use this information to produce a cultural sensitivity map of a project area denoting areas of low, medium, and high density known or expected archaeological and cultural resources. Literature Review Studies Literature review studies compile and summarize information from historical texts and maps and previous archaeological studies. Such studies can be used to estimate the likelihood of encountering archaeological resources in a given area. CSH provides such studies as part of the following work: Due Diligence Process: Prospective purchasers of property, especially undeveloped land, often seek to evaluate the archaeological concerns that may be associated with a property and whether archaeological studies may be triggered as part of grading or building permits. Literature review studies can inform such evaluations. Determination of Compliance Requirements for a Project: When desired by clients, CSH will use the results of a literature review study and field inspection to inform consultations with the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) to assist with the determination of State compliance requirements for projects. CSH frequently provides such services for government entities. For federally funded projects which trigger Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a literature review study can be used to help a project proponent determine the likelihood that Cultural Surveys Hawaii,Inc. Statement of Qualifications for Fiscal Year 2025