HI SB510

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to delegate historic preservation project reviews to counties, in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to address the state historic preservation division's project backlog.

Counties must meet six certification requirements before receiving delegated authority: adopt governing ordinance, hire qualified professional staff, establish internal controls for independent determinations, avoid conflicts of interest, provide public notification, and enter written agreement with DLNR.

Delegation authority is automatically suspended or terminated if a county fails to retain qualified professional staff or lacks sufficient capacity to complete reviews timely.

Excludes from county delegation any projects affecting properties listed on the Hawaii or National Register of Historic Places, and retains all state responsibility for burial-related reviews under sections 6E-43, 6E-43.5, and 6E-43.6.

Allows DLNR to establish a certification program for third-party individuals and organizations to conduct preliminary document reviews for completeness and compliance before departmental submission.