THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	58
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO EMPLOY AN ARCHAEOLOGIST FOR THE PURPOSE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN REBUILDING LAHAINA.

WHEREAS, the wildfires on Maui in August 2023 were among the deadliest and most destructive in the State's history; and

WHEREAS, the wildfires devastated much of the historic town of Lahaina, destroying centuries-old buildings, cultural landmarks, and irreplaceable heritage sites that were central to its identity and history; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that historic preservation is critical in rebuilding Lahaina because it helps maintain cultural identity, supports economic recovery through tourism, promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste, aids in social and emotional healing, provides educational value, fosters community cohesion, and ensures compliance with legal preservation regulations; and

WHEREAS, while numerous efforts have been made to address the rebuilding of Lahaina, no archaeologist has yet been fully engaged in preserving the history and culture of the community and the State during this critical process; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the County of Maui is requested to employ one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) archaeologist for the purpose of historic preservation in rebuilding Lahaina; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the archaeologist is requested to work with other entities involved in the rebuilding of Lahaina to preserve the history and culture of the community and the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the archaeologist is requested to implement federal and state mandates, and to plan and manage projects on historic preservation in rebuilding Lahaina; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the County of Maui.

Report Title:

County of Maui; Archaeologist; Historic Preservation