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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0666.023 2006-2008 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: Wendy@preservationassociates.net Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 10:08 AM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us ::.i' ; ri ' ? , Subject: Bill 176, Cultural Resources Commission Attachments: 2007TestimonyBill176.doc See attached. Mahalo! Wendy Wichman Preservation Associates historic preservation planning and research (808) 922-3534 (office) ~8oa) zn-o8s3 (Dell) (808) 922-2979 (fax) wen~preseryatonassociates.net Comm. No. ~O6 Ref. To: ~raseN~/ IAAfi / Raf. Dote ACT 17 2DD7 10/16/2007 Via Email: Hawaii County Clerk counciltestimonyCc~co.hawaii.hi.us To: Hawaii County Council The Honorable Pete Hoffman, Chair From: Wendy Wichman Preservation Associates Subject: Support of Council Bill 176 Establishing a Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission I am writing to support Council Bill 176, establishing a Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission. As a preservation consultant, I have done extensive research in the area of local preservation programs. I have found that they strengthen local historic preservation efforts and offer valuable technical assistance at the local level. A local preservation program, which meets the guidelines of the certified local government program as established by the National Historic Preservation Act and administered by the National Park Service, integrates national and state historic preservation programs into local government planning processes and local land-use policies. State Historic Preservation Offices across the country have been certifying local preservation programs since 1985, and nationally there are now over 700. Kauai and Maui Counties have passed local preservation ordinances, and our Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, published in 2001, which was developed as a blueprint for historic preservation throughout our islands, specifically encourages Hawaii County expand its local government participation in historic preservation activities through the establishment of a local preservation program. The 2005 Hawaii County General Plan, Historic Sites section, emphasizes that the heritage of a community is documented by its history, just as its identity evolves from its past. One of its stated goals is to protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawaii. To achieve this, the County has stated policies to keep the public informed about historic sites; amend appropriate ordinances to incorporate stewardship and protection of historic sites, buildings and objects; and collect and distribute historic sites information of public interest and keep an inventory of sites; develop a continuing program to evaluate the significance of historic sites; support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors; include all new historic sites placed on the State or National Historic Registers in the General Plan; and recognize the importance of certain natural features in Hawaiian culture by incorporating the concept of "cultural landscapes" in land use planning, and more. An adequately funded and staffed local preservation program would be the ideal vehicle to implement these stated goals and policies. I believe that the protection of historic resources would benefit all concerned because it translates directly into a quality of life issue. Accordingly, I support the effort to establish a Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission, through Council Bill 176, and commend all those who have worked so hard to protect their community's cultural and historic legacy.