On February 22, 2020 more than 115 people attended the Native Hawaiian Organizations & the Section 106 Process Seminar at the YWCA Oahu. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation joined with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to offer a free community seminar on Native Hawaiian Organizations’ involvement in the federal historic preservation consultation to protect historic properties. The seminar received financial support from an Office of Hawaiian Affairs ‘Ahahui Grant.
Native Hawaiian Organizations and members of the native Hawaiian community interested in preservation of historic properties, including properties of religious and cultural significance to NHO, gathered to learn how to navigate and participate effectively in the Section 106 process, required for all projects connected to federal undertakings. Also in attendance were members of federal, state and local agencies and individuals and members of community organizations with stewardship responsibilities for historic or cultural properties.
The seminar included a presentation introducing Section 106 and its components along with best practices for participation, a panel discussion, and question and answer period. Panelists included Stanton Enomoto, DOI Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, June Noelani Cleghorn, Cultural Resources Manager, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i; Mahealani Cypher, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; William Dancing Feather, Office of Native American Affairs, ACHP; Susan Lebo, Archaeology Branch Chief, State Historic Preservation Division, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i; Kai Markell, Pou Kakoʻo of Kiaʻi Kānāwai, Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The Seminar was also created as a free, online, on-demand course. During this unprecedented crisis, we may find ourselves with more time to participate in online opportunities to learn, connect and participate in civic activities. Register and take the course at your own pace or gather your virtual community and learn together. Visit https://www.achp.gov/training/elearning
Comments from participants who attended the February 22nd seminar:
Found that like with most things government things take time…Learn patience knowing it’s a long haul…
Important to build pono relationship with all organizations to move forward positively in preserving all mea Hawai’i.
Appreciated the multiple perspectives on panels.
Bringing groups together to compare notes, dialogue between groups is very important!
Great speakers, questions, use of examples/anecdotes. So relevant and timely. Mahalo!