HI HCR177

Hawaii counties are urged to establish, strengthen, or expand historic preservation functions within county government to complement the State Historic Preservation Division's efforts in protecting cultural resources.

Suggested county functions include creating historic preservation offices, commissions, advisory boards, or designated staff within planning or cultural resource departments to coordinate preservation activities.

Counties are encouraged to develop local policies, inventories, and procedures to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and cultural resources consistent with state and federal preservation laws.

County-level preservation capacity would help ensure continuity of protection for historic buildings, archaeological sites, burial sites, and traditional cultural properties if state-level resources or protections are reduced.

Certified copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to the Governor, Board of Land and Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Division, and the mayors and council chairs of all four Hawaii counties.