S.B. 2076 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 6E-42 to allow the State Historic Preservation Division to delegate historic preservation project reviews to counties, in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

• Requires counties to meet certification standards before receiving delegated authority, including adopting an ordinance, hiring qualified professional staff, establishing organizational controls, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Prohibits delegation of reviews for projects affecting properties listed in the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or National Register of Historic Places.

• Prohibits delegation of burial-related responsibilities under sections 6E-43, 6E-43.5, and 6E-43.6, preserving the authority of burial councils.

• Establishes a program for the Department to certify third-party individuals and organizations to review documents for completeness and compliance with department requirements prior to submission.