WHEREAS, the recent floods that struck the island of Oahu in October 2004 caused extensive damage to the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa's Hamilton Library; and

WHEREAS, many of the invaluable and irreplaceable historical maps stored in Hamilton Library were destroyed by the flood; and

WHEREAS, if these maps had been digitized, there would still be permanent records on file, protecting our link with history and ensuring access by future generations; and

WHEREAS, UH could partner with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to digitize such maps, sharing their existing resources and keeping costs to a minimum; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that UH is urged to partner with DLNR to preserve the state's historical maps through digital mapping; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the work of the partnership should also include the digitization of maps of ceded lands and maps located in or being stored by the Map Survey Room, Commission Records, Bureau of Conveyances, Hawaii State Archives, Hawaiian Historical Society, Bishop Museum, Kamehameha Schools, and other selected private collections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in their work, UH and DLNR should also collaborate with other entities from within UH, including representatives from:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Chairperson of the Board of Regents, and the President of the University of Hawaii.

Report Title:

Digital Mapping