HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	42
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Requesting the State historic preservation division to research and report to the legislature on how best to protect Hawaii's historic buildings from demolition.

     WHEREAS, throughout Hawaii, there are an unknown number of historically significant buildings that represent an important cultural resource for both residents and visitors to the State; and

     WHEREAS, in an increasingly competitive real estate market, many of these historic structures face an uncertain future as properties are sold, long-term leases end, and landowners of expensive real estate focus on the "highest and best use" in order to reap maximum financial benefits; and

     WHEREAS, if Hawaii is to retain as many of its historic buildings as possible, additional protection may be necessary in order to provide conditions for demolition and review by state or local preservation commissions; and

     WHEREAS, before additional protection in the form of new laws, rules, or other intervention measures is considered, however, important concepts and principles for historic preservation, the effectiveness of current preservation statutes, and strategies for change should be fully researched and developed; 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 the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with the assistance of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, county governments, and other stakeholders is requested to research and report to the Legislature on how best to protect Hawaii's historic buildings from demolition; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report is requested to include:

     (1)  The current status of historic buildings in Hawaii, with special emphasis on those that may be in danger of demolition within the next one, three, five years, and beyond;

     (2)  Existing practices at the state and county levels related to demolition of historic buildings;

     (3)  Model programs from other states and jurisdictions; and

     (4)  Recommendations, including any proposed state and county legislation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Historic Preservation Division shall report on its recommendations regarding the information requested under this measure to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Administrator of the State Historic Preservation Division, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Executive Director of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation; and the Mayors of the respective counties.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Demolition of Historic Properties; Research and Report