ORD 2007-164 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~tV O~ y COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII ~~O~~M~~ BILL NO. 173 ORDINANCE NO. 164 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. The Council finds that architecture is one of the most important means of cultural expression for people. Traditional Hawaiian azchitecture, which may be accurately described as "indigenous architecture" for the Hawaiian Islands, has great aesthetic appeal and economic potential, in addition to its cultural significance. The Council further finds that there is a growing interest in, and appreciation for, indigenous architecture among architects, developers, planners, Hawaiian cultural experts, visitors, and residents of Hawaii, both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian. Thus, individual and family homeowners should be granted the express authority to genuinely utilize indigenous architecture in their structures as a matter of cultural preservation and respect, as well as economic development. The Council further finds that other jurisdictions throughout the United States, particulazly in the Southwest, have amended their building codes to support their native peoples' architectural heritage. In summary, the Council finds and declares as County policy that indigenous architecture furthers the County's compelling interests in cultural, environmental, and historic preservation; energy efficiency; economic development; aesthetic beauty; and public safety. Thus, it is the purpose of this ordinance to: (1) establish respect for the principles of indigenous architecture in the Building Code; (2) encourage the preservation of existing structures that exhibit the principles of indigenous architecture; and (3)encourage the development of new structures that incorporate indigenous architecture. SECTION 2. Chapter 5 of Hawaii County Code, 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), is amended by adding thereto a new division, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "Division INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE Section Policy. This code shall be administered with due consideration given to the County policy that indigenous Hawaiian architecture furthers the County's compelling interests in cultural, environmental and historic preservation• enerev efficiency' economic development; aesthetic beauty' and public safety For purposes of this section indigenous Hawaiian architecture includes any of the predominant architectural practices, customs, styles, and techniques