HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD4 - Bills Rev Req to CRC Ashley L. Kierkiewicz (808) 961-8265
County Council District IV ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
August 3, 2026
RE Request for Review and Feedback –
Draft Historic Place Marker Program and Moʻolelo Interpretation Program
Aloha, Honorable Members of the Cultural Resources Commission:
Mahalo for the opportunity to appear before the Commission on August 12 to share two
draft ordinances that my office has developed. I am grateful for your review of these
proposals and your willingness to offer manaʻo before they are finalized for introduction to
the Council.
Attached are drafts of:
1. The Historic Place Marker Program, which would establish a County program to
identify and recognize the traditional moku and ahupuaʻa of Hawaiʻi Island through
the installation of standardized boundary markers and the development of a
Historic Place Marker Inventory that can grow over time to include historical,
cultural, and geographic information associated with each place; and
2. The Moʻolelo Interpretation Program, which would establish a Countywide process
for departments and community organizations to develop interpretive signs,
murals, and other place-based installations on County property – responding to a
recurring need for a clear pathway to educate the public about the history, culture,
and significance of places throughout Hawaiʻi Island, while ensuring projects are
historically informed, culturally respectful, and appropriate to their location.
Although the two bills serve different purposes, they share a common goal: to increase
public understanding of the places we call home, and to create meaningful opportunities
to preserve and share Hawaiʻi Islandʼs stories, history, culture, and traditional place names
in our public spaces.
Because the Commissionʼs mission is to advise the County on matters relating to the
protection, preservation, and perpetuation of Hawaiʻi Islandʼs cultural resources, I believe
your perspectives are essential to shaping these programs. I welcome your feedback on:
● The proposed role of the Cultural Resources Commission within each program;
● Opportunities to strengthen cultural consultation and community engagement; and
● Any recommendations that would improve the long-term success and integrity of
these programs.
My office has met with the Planning Department, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of
Research and Development, Dept. of Parks & Recreation, and Dept. of Finance to discuss
these proposals. The drafts being shared with the Commission reflect feedback received
on earlier versions and continue to undergo departmental review as we work toward
finalizing the legislation.
Mahalo again for your time, expertise, and continued service to Hawaiʻi Island. I
appreciate your thoughtful consideration and look forward to our discussion.
Cheers,
Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz
COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT IV