Honolulu City Council unanimously approves Bill 44

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 2, 2022

Final passage of measure to advance establishment of the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission heads to Mayor’s desk

(HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I) — The Honolulu City Council has unanimously approved Bill 44, introduced by Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina and Council Chair Tommy Waters to update the law related to the O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission.

“I introduced Bill 44 to ensure protection of Honolulu’s remaining social, cultural and archaeological resources,” said Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kia‘āina. “If stood up, the Commission would have powers similar to historic preservation commissions across the state, and could mitigate destruction of historic sites, assist with proactive identification of historic properties, provide additional funding to support preservation efforts, and increase coordination with state agencies. Hawaiʻi has a sad history of systemic dehumanization and intentional desecration of burial and other cultural sites, and while that happens much less often today, missteps in the not-so-distant past support that more coordination is necessary to help in the protection of these important resources.”

Council Chair Tommy Waters, who co-introduced the bill, has long collaborated with community groups including members of Pu‘uhonua ‘O Wailupe, which is protecting a well- documented burial cave in danger of further desecration. Several members testified today.

“We made amendments to clarify what the Commission would do and to address any duplication or conflict concerns about how the Commission’s responsibility would differ from that of the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources,” Chair Waters said. “The time is now to preserve irreplaceable historic treasures and sacred sites, including the ancient burial caves in Wailupe and so many others. This measure is one of many efforts that we are working on at the Honolulu City Council to protect and preserve our sacred sites, culture and history.”

While enacted into law as Section 3-10.2, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, nearly 30 years ago, the Commission has never been stood up. The testimony provided by diverse organizations and individuals, including by Native Hawaiian and other community groups, was overwhelmingly supportive, and the City Council is looking forward to working with the City administration to set up the Commission and appoint and confirm Commission members.