HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0666.016 2006-2008 ~
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Na'alehu, Hawaii 96772
80&929-7236
808.929-8322 TeUFAX
www.usalehu.org
To: Hawaii County Council
The Honorable Pete Hoffinan, Chair and Presiding Officer
The Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Vice Chair
From: Marge Elwell
President of Na alehu Main Street
Committee Date: October 3, 2007
10:00 am
Ben Franklin Building, Hilo Hawaii
Subject: Support of Council Bill 176
Establishing a Hawai i County
Cultural Resources Commission
I am here on the behalf of Na'alehu Main Street Boazd of Directors and Members to support Bill 176,
establishing a Hawaaz i County Council Cultural Resources Commission. Our mission statement: Historic
Preservation with Economic Viability pretty much says it all.
Since 1991, Na'alehu Main Street (NMS) has been a district leader for historical preservation. NMS has worked
to preserve the unique architecture (Old Plantation Dispensary, Na' alehu Theatre, Naohuleloa Historical Church
Gazden just to name a few), and cultural heritage events (4th of July Parade and Music Event), and we believe
that historical preservation in an important element in the present and future quality of life and economic
viability of the County. It has been proven by the National Trust Foundation that redevelopment of inter cities
bring stronger economic machines and less crime.
A preservation program, and eventually Certified Local Government, would implement the 2005 County
General Plan. A local preservation commission would enable legislation for protecting the island's historic and
cultural resources, which are key components of such a program.
The Cultural Resources Comission (CRC) would be charged with protecting, preserving and perpetuating the
historic and cultural resources of Hawai i County. As an advisory board, the CRC would review proposals that
could impact the Island's historic and cultural sites as in Kaua i and Maui Counties and is consistent with the
guidelines in the National Historic Preservation Act for Certified Local Governments (CLGs).
The benefits of a local preservation commission aze numerous. The visitor industry benefits by protecting and
enhancing a unique and distinctive destination that will attract heritage tourism. The County benefits by having
a more effective and efficient means of tracking, reviewing, and monitoring planning and development projects
that could impact historical sites. The Commission would have an official standing for input to State and federal
undertakings under historic preservation statues, and qualifying, for certain funding sources. The general
public benefits by a mechanism for community-based input into preservation issues and oppor~uni~es public
comment and feedback on major proposals. ConmK PIa, (~o
Please support Bill 176 Thank You, Mazge Elwell Ref. To: ~e ~K,~t ~
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