Advocacy

Navy To Host Virtual Public Meeting On Proposed New Drydock At Pearl Harbor

2/14/2022: The U.S. Navy has opened the public comment period on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of a new dry dock and waterfront production facility at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Dry Dock No. 3 at Pearl Harbor, 1998 David Franzen. The proposed project is located within the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark and would demolish historic buildings, the World War II-era Dry Dock 3 and many historic site features and view sheds—and would have impacts on important view sheds—all of which contribute to the historic significance of the NHL. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is participating the National Historic Preservation Action Section 106 consultation to assess and help resolve effects on historic and cultural properties. In addition to the Section 106 consultation, Navy is engaged in the review of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and has invited public comment on the Draft EIS.  The Navy will host a public meeting on February 24. Written comments on the draft EIS are due by March 21. The Draft EIS and additional information are available at https://www.pearlharbordrydockeis.org. Proposed Action The U.S. Department of the Navy (Navy) proposes to construct and operate a graving dry dock and waterfront production facility at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF), including auxiliary facilities containing equipment used to operate the dry dock, such as pump stations, water treatment system, parking lots, crane maintenance area, power, and utilities. PHNSY & IMF is located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. The graving dry dock would replace existing Dry Dock 3 and would be given a new dry dock number (Dry Dock 5) because it [...]

2022-03-16T18:32:33-10:00February 17th, 2022|Categories: Advocacy, Advocacy - Get Involved|Tags: |

Governor Issues Cabinet Directive to Improve Preservation Reviews

11/19/2021: Governor David Y. Ige has directed State of Hawai‘i Agencies to take specific steps to improve compliance with the statutes and administrative rules governing the historic preservation review and compliance procedures for both government projects and for private development that requires permits or other government approvals. In a Memo distributed to the State Agency Directors and Cabinet on November 2, Governor Ige said: “As part of our Administration’s ongoing effort to make government more efficient and effective, the staff (special kudos to Sara Lin)  has worked closely with your departments to identify chokepoints and roadblocks. DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) review touches almost everything: affordable housing, clean energy projects, infrastructure, etc. However, they receive more reports than they have time to review. “The Governor’s office has been facilitating a public-private Working Group to identify priorities and revise its Administrative Rules to address this issue, among others. “As a first step, the Working Group and SHPD staff wrote the attached Governor’s Memorandum aimed at helping State Agencies have a smoother path through the historic review process. This includes helping agencies better understand SHPD’s submission requirements and knowing how to hold your consultants accountable to good work, as SHPD staff currently spends a lot of time reviewing incomplete reports.” The Memo includes additional attachments and references, including: SHPD Mandatory and Unnecessary Submittal List SHPD Submittal Checklist SHPD Reviews and Hawai‘i Cultural Resource Information System (HICRIS) Submittals in Five Steps SHPD is planning to conduct one-hour training sessions with the agencies to assist them with compliance. The Memo and directive to the State Agencies is the first step in a longer process to update and revise the historic preservation review process that is required by Hawai‘i [...]

2022-01-12T12:45:52-10:00November 19th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy|

Honolulu Proposes a Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge Over the Historic Ala Wai Canal

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALA WAI BRIDGE COMMUNITY MEETING FLIER COMMUNITY MEETING SET FOR ALA WAI BRIDGE DISCUSSION 9/7/23: The proposed Ala Wai pedestrian bridge will be the focus of a community meeting on Saturday, September 9. The gathering is organized by State Senators Les Ihara Jr. and Carol Fukunaga to enable the community to discuss the City & County of Honolulu’s plans for a 180-foot tall bridge over the historic Ala Wai Canal. The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. (registration opens at 1:30) in the Ala Wai Elementary School Cafeteria, 503 Kamoku Street. RSVP to 808-586-6250 or m.vomvoris@capitol.hawaii.gov. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is a consulting party to the City and its State and Federal partners under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to assess impacts from the proposed bridge on historic properties and cultural resources. Throughout the historic preservation and environmental review processes, HHF has provided input about the proposed bridge design, finding that it is out of scale with the setting and will be adverse to the historic canal, the Hawaiian koa canoe Malia and the traditional and customary practice of paddling. “The new bridge should reflect its own time and place, not replicate existing bridges or establish a false sense of history. However, oversized or overly elaborate structures should also be avoided. The new bridge should be elegant but subordinate to the setting and context,” HHF Executive Director Kiersten Faulkner wrote in comments to the project proponents. “A more appropriate design would have a low profile, protect the current unimpeded views to and from Diamond Head, have an open feel and send of connection to the surrounding landscape, and have a modern or minimalist character.” The [...]

2023-09-07T09:02:42-10:00July 12th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy|

Hawai‘i State Tax Credit for Historic Rehabilitation

The State of Hawai‘i offers a historic preservation income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures. See HRS Sec. 235-110.97 (2019). The tax credit took effect on July 1, 2019 and is authorized for five years. The tax credit is available for 30% of the qualified expenditures to preserve and rehabilitate certified historic buildings. The total amount of the cumulative credit is capped at $1,000,000 per year. Key provisions of the tax credit program include: The credit is available for “certified historic structures,” which are those that are listed on the Hawai‘i or the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing building in a district; Properties that meet the criteria, but have not yet been listed on the historic register, may be able to claim the credit if the property is listed by the time that the rehabilitation project is complete; Eligible expenses are costs associated with the physical rehabilitation or renovation of the historic structure that are in accordance with a rehabilitation plan. The costs do not include the taxpayer’s personal labor. The rehabilitation plan means construction plans and specifications that preserve the historic character of the building. The rehabilitation plan must be approved by SHPD. The rehabilitation must by “substantial,” meaning the scope of work exceeds 25% of the assessed value of the structure. DOWNLOADS Form n325 INSTRUCTIONS (PDF) HRS 235-110.97 INFO (PDF) MORE INFORMATION Hawai‘i State Historic Preservation Division Hawai‘i Department of Taxation

2021-04-29T12:09:31-10:00February 17th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog, Funding|

Community Partnership to Preserve Alakoko Fishpond through Purchase and Stewardship

Feb. 5, 2021: Mālama Hulēʻia is collaborating with the Trust for Public Land to purchase the 600-year old Alakoko Fishpond (also known as Alekoko Fishpond and Menehune Fishpond) on Kauaʻi for $3 million. The nonprofit has already been at work for the past few years to restore the pond, remove invasive growth, and engage thousands of volunteers while promoting place-based education.  Mālama Hulēʻia was in negotiation with the property owner for a 20-year lease when the owner offered to sell. Protecting Alakoko will provide impactful community benefits: restoring a healthy watershed, river, and native wetland ecosystem; preserving a beloved cultural site and outdoor classroom for ʻāina-based education; and increasing sustainable aquaculture and food security for Kaua‘i.   - Mālama Hulē‘ia The fishpond was designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The statement of significance found that the site “is the most significant fishpond on Kaua‘i, both in Hawaiian legends and folklore and in the eyes of Kaua‘i’s people today…Its antiquity makes it the oldest fishpond on Kaua‘i…it is the best example of an inland fishpond in the entire state.”  The nomination recommended that the site be preserved as a historical park. In 2009, the fishpond was listed as one of Hawai‘i’s Most Endangered Historic Places by HHF, in cooperation with the Hawai‘i State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Honolulu Magazine. The designation flagged the site as vulnerable to neglect, invasive species and potential development. Mālama Hulē‘ia efforts to establish a stewardship program to address long-term maintenance and restoration needs is an important step towards its preservation. HHF has written a letter in its support of the hui's efforts to preserve and protect this special place, including [...]

2021-03-12T11:03:52-10:00February 5th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

HHF Monitoring Legislative Bills Related to Historic Preservation, Land Use, Environment and Specific Sites

February 5, 2021: The opening session of the 2021 Hawaii State Legislature was held on January 20th. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has identified some 20 bills directly related to historic preservation and another 75 related to environment, land use, development, culture, burials or specific historic sites. HHF Executive Director Kiersten Faulkner will monitor these 95 bills and is responding to committee notices and submit testimony as needed.  Staff will issue action alerts for larger issues if they have momentum. To be informed of future opportunities to advocate for legislation that supports historic preservation, please sign up for Historic Hawai‘i Foundation's Action Alerts email list by leaving at message at (808)523-2900 x26 or emailing us at Outreach@historichawaii.org. General list and descriptions of bills: HB245/SB570: Relating to Historic Preservation (HP); amends the definition of “historic property” to require 50 years & Hawai‘i Register eligibility. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation submitted testimony in support of the intent of the measure with additional recommendations. HB320/SB956: relating to HP; makes it a civil and administrative violation to violate terms of archaeological approvals; HB547: relating to federal lands; creates a Makua Planning task force w/in DLNR; HB623/SB898: relating to the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Appropriates federal funds to support the work of the State of Hawai‘i Museum of Natural and Cultural History. HHF submitted testimony in support of the measure. 2/3/21: the committee on CAI recommended the measure be deferred. HB705: relating to CIP in House district 45; appropriates funds for some unspecified project either in vicinity of or relating to Kukaniloko; HB321/SB510: relating to HP; authorizes a program to delegate 6E-42 review to the counties, and a program to establish 3rd party reviews; HB854: Relating to the State Capitol; Directs DAGS to come [...]

2021-03-24T09:58:51-10:00February 5th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

Nineteen Properties Added to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places

9/21/20: The Hawai‘i Historic Places Review Board added nineteen properties to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places in May 2020 and approved updates to three properties previously listed on the historic register. Properties are eligible for inclusion in the register if they meet one or more criteria of historic significance: A) association with broad patterns or events; B) associations with historic individuals; C) architecture and design; or D) likely to yield important information. Yamato Store and Garage, Hawai‘i Island The Yamamoto Store and Garage, built in 1919, was a retail store and garage with a second story dedicated to residential space. The store and garage are significant under Criterion A at the local level typifying structures illustrative of the hard work of immigrants to improve their economic status and as an incubator for the entrepreneurial dreams of Japanese Issei and Nisei to find employment off the plantations. Kojiro Yamato’s success in farming paved the way for him to establish successful enterprises that in turn allowed him to support a large family and provide advanced education and new career opportunities for the next generation. It is also significant under Criterion C as a good example of plantation era architecture of a commercial building constructed in Hawai‘i comprised of wood, single-wall construction and an early example of building a structure for commercial purposes up to the street property line. The Yamato Store, with its façade’s display windows, recessed entry, double-hung windows, bracketed cornice, and façade-length pent-roofed awning is typical of these early twentieth century wood commercial buildings. It is also an outstanding example of the growing impact of “automobile prosperity” in rural Hawaiʻi in the 1920s. 1210 Ward Avenue Office Building, O‘ahu The 1210 Ward Avenue Office [...]

2021-02-22T10:21:55-10:00January 27th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

Proposed Changes to National Register of Historic Places Regulations Halted

1/27/21 News Alert from the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Preservationists around the country have been seriously concerned about proposed changes to the regulations governing the National Register of Historic Places since they were first proposed in 2019.  Last fall, despite an outpouring of public concern about the proposal, the new rule was forwarded for review by the Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.  The proposed rule changes would primarily concern National Register nominations of federally owned properties and the process whereby property owners in historic districts object to nominations. During the review process, historic preservation advocacy organizations, state historic preservation offices, tribal governments, and tribal organizations pressed hard to make the case that the rule should be dropped.  As a result, it was not finalized prior to the presidential transition and is not expected to be pursued by the Biden Administration.  This is a big win that demonstrates the strength of the historic preservation movement when we work together on policy priorities. More details about the proposal are available on the Preservation Leadership Forum. Biden Administration Acts to Review National Monument Revocations As one of President Biden’s first acts in office, an Executive Order was issued directing the Secretary of the Interior to review the revocation of the Bears Ears National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument. The Secretary is required to complete the review and submit a report to the president within 60 days with recommendations for actions consistent with the Antiquities Act. The ongoing litigation challenging these monument revocations will likely be stayed while this review is completed and the next steps are determined. It is [...]

2021-03-12T11:04:08-10:00January 27th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

Honolulu Zoning Committee Opposes Consideration to Repeal Preservation Commission

1/14/21:  The Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning and Planning rejected the proposal to repeal the O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission at its hearing on January 14, 2021. Councilmembers said that they preferred to review the ordinance, address any out of date or unworkable provisions, and then to refresh and strengthen the ordinance. Councilmembers Kia‘āina and Cordero said they would work with stakeholders to review and propose amendments to improve the existing ordinance. The committee said that “repeal is out of the question” and they much prefer to utilize this tool to ensure a robust historic preservation program for the City & County of Honolulu. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation thanks the Councilmembers for their thoughtfulness and openness to new information, and to members of the public who shared the importance of historic and cultural resources for O‘ahu’s communities. 1/13/21: The proposal to repeal the O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission is being considered at a public hearing on Thursday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. See below for background and context related  to the proposal. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation opposes the proposal. The City and County of Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning, Planning and Housing will consider the measure at the request of the Department of Planning and Permitting. Submit written testimony by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14 and/or testify virtually. Click here to submit online testimony.  Agenda item is CC-215. Click here for the MEETING AGENDA.  Click here to read the Draft Committee Report on the Review and Evaluation of the O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission CC-215(20) See sample testimony below. 8/25/20:  A proposal to repeal the O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission will be the subject of the public hearing on Thursday, August 27. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation opposes the [...]

2021-03-24T09:58:27-10:00January 13th, 2021|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|

National Coalition Files Lawsuit to Challenge New National Environmental Policy Act Regulations

Defending the National Environmental Policy Act August 29, 2020 Sharee Williamson, Senior Associate General Counsel at the National Trust for Historic Preservation This story was originally published on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Leadership Forum with different images. You can read the original piece here. Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a coalition of partners filed a lawsuit challenging new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations issued earlier this month. Signed into law on January 1, 1970, Congress established NEPA to ensure that federal agencies consider the impacts of their actions on the human environment, including both cultural and natural resources. Like the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA is a procedural statute intended to foster well-informed federal decisions that minimize harm. The new regulations undermine this congressional mandate and severely weaken one of the nation’s strongest environmental laws. In February, the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a draft of the new regulations. Despite receiving over 1 million public comments expressing concerns about the draft rule, the final regulations are substantially the same as the draft. Some of the most troubling changes in the new regulations are those that make public participation more difficult, give project applicants more control over which alternatives are reviewed, and remove the requirement that federal agencies consider indirect and cumulative impacts, including climate change impacts, when making decisions. Kalaupapa National Park on Moloka‘i (National Park Service) CEQ’s purported reason for the rule changes is to remove administrative red tape that allegedly slows down infrastructure improvements and to ensure a “more efficient, timely, and effective NEPA process.” However, expert reports studying the reason for the slow development of some highways and other infrastructure projects have concluded that NEPA is [...]

2020-11-09T12:18:07-10:00September 4th, 2020|Categories: Advocacy, Blog|
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