HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0666.010 2006-2008 VIA EMAIL: Hawaii County Clerk
cotmciltestimo~Qco.hawaiihi.us
To: Hawaii County Council
Committee on Planning
The Honorable K Angel Pilago, Chair
The Honorable Dominic Yagong, Vice-Chair
From: Mazge Elwell ,
Executive Director, Na"alehu Main Street
Committee Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
1:00 pm
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
Subject: Support of Council Bill 176 ,
Establishing a Hawaii County
Cultural Resources Commission
I am writing on behalf of Na'alehu Main Street to support Codncil Bill 176, establishing a Hawaii
County Cultural Resources Commission.
Since 1991, Naalehu Main Street has been adistrict-wide leader for historic preservation. NMS bas
worked to preserve Hawai is unique architectural (Na'alehu Theatre and Naohulelua Historical
Gazden) and cultural heritage (4th of July Festival and Parade) and believes that historic preservation
is an important element in the present and future qualiiy of life and economic viability of the
County.
A local preservation prob and eventually a Certified Local C,over~Pnt, would implement the
2005 County General Plan. A kcal preservation commission and enabling legislation for protecting
the island's historic and cultural resources aze key components of such a program.
The Cultural Resources Commission (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 Kauai 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 historic sites, official standing for
input to State and federal undertakings under historic preservation statutes, and qualifying for certain
funding sources. The general public benefits by having a mechanism for community-based input
into preservation issues and oppom~n+fiPs for public comment and feedback on major proposals.
Sincerely,
Marge Elwell, President and CEO of Na'alehu Main Street
Comm. No. b ~ b • 10
Ref. To: 0lrase
Ref. Dare E 2007