STAND. COM. REP. NO.  232

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1104

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Tourism & Culture, to which was referred H.B. No. 1104 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to preserve and protect the Kohala Historic Sites State Monument (Monument) by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to consult with the kahuna nui of the Mookini Heiau prior to making alterations or improvements to the Monument.

     DLNR, Mookini Luakini, Inc., and several concerned individuals supported this bill.

     Your Committee recognizes the importance of this measure in codifying provisions contained in the deed of the Mookini Heiau lands.  Requiring the kahuna nui of the Mookini Heiau to be consulted before non-routine alterations or improvements are carried out on the Monument will help to ensure that the Monument remains unspoiled for future generations to appreciate.  In addition, your Committee is concerned that the Monument and the Mookini Heiau may be targeted for rampant commercialization as more and more people become aware of their historical and cultural significance.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the consultation requirement for DLNR includes alterations or improvements to the Mookini Heiau; and

     (2)  Establishing that prior to any additional organized profit-making venture involving the Monument, including the Mookini Heiau, the entity proposing the venture shall consult with the kahana nui of the Mookini Heiau.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism & Culture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1104, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1104, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Tourism & Culture,

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair