STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3447

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 3348

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 3348, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to increase funding for historic preservation.

     Specifically, this measure appropriates funds for the Hawaii Preservation Fund Endowment, established by the Historic Hawaii Foundation in cooperation with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  This measure conditions the release of funds upon being matched by an equal amount of private contributions to the Hawaii Preservation Fund Endowment.

     The Hawaii Historic Foundation, Heritage Caucus, Hawaii Theatre Center, and four individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure.  The Board of Land and Natural Resources submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that there is significant value in preserving and perpetuating structures that reflect Hawaii's cultural, artistic, architectural, and historic heritage.  In particular, these structures enhance tourism and increase property values.  Your Committee further finds that this measure will provide initial funding that can be used to grant awards to Hawaii‑based non‑profit organizations and state agencies dedicated to preservation services.

     Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Appropriating the funds to the Hawaii Historic Preservation Special Fund, established under section 6E‑16, Hawaii Revised Statutes, instead of the Hawaii preservation fund endowment, which was going to be established; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for the purposes of style, clarity, and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 3348, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 3348, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair