Report Title:

Archaeological Data Survey; Established

Description:

Establishes an archaeological data survey as an online database program under the State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History.  Authorizes the museum, in consultation with the office of Hawaiian affairs and the state historic preservation division to withhold information from the database if a disclosure may pose a threat to a site or artifact.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2955
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to archaeological data.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 6E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§6E-   Archaeological data survey; designation. (a) There is established a Hawaii archaeological data survey designated as a program of the State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History.  The survey shall be an online database of archaeological documents and materials, including but not limited to reports, photographs, drawings, maps, and archived documents obtained through archaeological work in Hawaii, and may include the collections of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, publicly available materials, and materials from private entities or organizations.  To expand the use and knowledge of Hawaii's archaeological information, the data survey shall be developed and maintained in consultation with the state historic preservation division and other appropriate state and federal agencies and private organizations.

(b)  The archaeological data survey shall not include any information required to remain confidential under federal, state, or municipal laws, rules, or regulations.

(c)  The State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History, in consultation with the office of Hawaiian affairs and the state historic preservation division, may temporarily or permanently withhold from the database any information due to a valid threat, or if disclosure may frustrate the legitimate and necessary function of protecting a valuable archaeological site or artifact.  The entities shall determine what information shall be withheld from the data survey; provided that prior consultation is sought with any affected state or federal governmental agencies, or private individuals or organizations."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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