HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	205
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

supporting the establishment of culturally valuable districts throughout the state.

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that Hawaii's unique history and rich cultural heritage and traditions are inextricably linked to the lands that make up our state; and

     WHEREAS, throughout our state, there exist certain lands that retain special cultural value for native Hawaiians; and

     WHEREAS, these unique lands:

     (1)  Are usually found in rural areas and contain culturally valuable sites and resources, both tangible and intangible;

     (2)  Sustain and support native Hawaiian lifestyles and traditions that are retained and continue to be practiced on an everyday basis;

     (3)  Include lands where native Hawaiian agricultural uses, such as taro cultivation, are perpetuated; and

     (4)  Include native Hawaiian gathering areas and lands where native Hawaiian activities, such as fishpond cultivation and limu gathering, are practiced;

     and

     WHEREAS, some of these unique lands are found in Hana and Keanae on Maui; Halawa and Milolii on Hawaii; Waiahole, Waikane, and Kahana on Oahu; Hanalei and Hanapepe on Kauai; and the east end of the island of Molokai; and

     WHEREAS, these unique lands may be designated as "culturally valuable districts", which should be restored, maintained, and protected as valuable state resources; and

     WHEREAS, the identification and designation of culturally valuable districts will help to ensure the perpetuation of Hawaii's unique cultural traditions and legacy; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that this body supports the establishment of culturally valuable districts throughout the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the boundaries of a culturally valuable district follow natural monuments, ahupua'a, moku, or other traditional land divisions, and may extend from the highest reaches of the mountains to a designated distance beyond the shoreline; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a culturally valuable district may include one or more ahupua'a and all or part of any moku on any island.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Culturally Valuable Districts