Thursday, February 18, 2010
Panel on Rail Tonight on Insights on PBS Hawaii
Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director of Historic Hawaii Foundation, will be on a panel appearing on "Insights on PBS Hawaii" to discuss Honolulu's proposed rail project and its effects on historic places. The show airs this evening at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority - News Release
For Immediate Release: February 16, 2010 (10-04)
HTA AWARDS $600,000 TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PERPETUATE HAWAIIAN CULTURE
HONOLULU—The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, with guidance from the Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council (HCPAC), has selected 27programs to receive funding through its Kūkulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program (LHCP) in 2010 (see attached for a list of the awardees).
“The Hawaiian culture is an integral part of our islands’ identity that sets us apart as a special and unique visitor destination,” said Mike McCartney, HTA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “HTA remains committed to supporting programs that respects, perpetuates and preserves the Hawaiian culture for both visitors and residents.”
The programs selected address the goal of the Hawaiian Culture Strategic Initiative “to honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community,” as articulated in the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 (TSP). The purpose of the LHCP is to support programs that help to honor and preserve the Hawaiian culture, demonstrate collaborative efforts with a high degree of community support and involvement, exhibit depth and breadth of experience in performing similar work, and has an adequate plan for sustainability into the future.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.
For more information, contact:
Momi Akimseu
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
(808) 973-2278
Dawn Hirai
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-9445 (cell)
Krislyn Hashimoto
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-4384 (cell)
HTA AWARDS $600,000 TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PERPETUATE HAWAIIAN CULTURE
HONOLULU—The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, with guidance from the Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council (HCPAC), has selected 27programs to receive funding through its Kūkulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program (LHCP) in 2010 (see attached for a list of the awardees).
“The Hawaiian culture is an integral part of our islands’ identity that sets us apart as a special and unique visitor destination,” said Mike McCartney, HTA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “HTA remains committed to supporting programs that respects, perpetuates and preserves the Hawaiian culture for both visitors and residents.”
The programs selected address the goal of the Hawaiian Culture Strategic Initiative “to honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community,” as articulated in the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 (TSP). The purpose of the LHCP is to support programs that help to honor and preserve the Hawaiian culture, demonstrate collaborative efforts with a high degree of community support and involvement, exhibit depth and breadth of experience in performing similar work, and has an adequate plan for sustainability into the future.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.
For more information, contact:
Momi Akimseu
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
(808) 973-2278
Dawn Hirai
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-9445 (cell)
Krislyn Hashimoto
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-4384 (cell)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Fire Destroys "Most Endangered" Historic Church
by Jill Byus Radke
(February 12, 2010) A Wednesday night fire destroyed the already endangered St. Sophia's church on Molokai. Faulty wiring and arson have not been ruled out as causes according to Molokai Catholic Community pastor, Rev. Clyde Guerreiro.
Molokai's St. Sophia's Church was listed on Hawaii's 9 Most Endangered Historic Sites in 2008 when the congregation unveiled its plans to demolish the 1937 church in order to build a larger, more modern facility.
Since its "Most Endangered" listing, Historic Hawaii Foundation has been working with the Molokai Catholic Community to establish a preservation plan for the remaining historic churches in the area, should St. Sophia's be demolished.
The congregation is mourning the loss, but is seeing the silver lining. In an article published by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin this morning, Guerreiro said, "People are mourning that loss, but they are saying this may speed up the process of building a new church."
Photo by Richard Cooke, III Courtesy of Honolulu Magazine
Read the Star-Bulletin Article.
Read the Most Endangered Article
(February 12, 2010) A Wednesday night fire destroyed the already endangered St. Sophia's church on Molokai. Faulty wiring and arson have not been ruled out as causes according to Molokai Catholic Community pastor, Rev. Clyde Guerreiro.
Since its "Most Endangered" listing, Historic Hawaii Foundation has been working with the Molokai Catholic Community to establish a preservation plan for the remaining historic churches in the area, should St. Sophia's be demolished.
The congregation is mourning the loss, but is seeing the silver lining. In an article published by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin this morning, Guerreiro said, "People are mourning that loss, but they are saying this may speed up the process of building a new church."
Photo by Richard Cooke, III Courtesy of Honolulu Magazine
Read the Star-Bulletin Article.
Read the Most Endangered Article
Charter Member General Fred Weyand, dies at 93
General Frederick Weyand, American patriot, Charter Member of Historic Hawaii Foundation, dies at 93. Read more about General Weyand..
Thursday, February 11, 2010
NAGPRA suffers surprising proposed budget cut.
By Rob Capriccioso
Indian Country Today
WASHINGTON - One area of the Obama administration's proposed fiscal year 2011 budget sticks out like a sore thumb. While most Indian-focused programs are remaining steady or are set to make increases, the National Park Service has proposed to dramatically reduce the amount available for NAGPRA grants.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is the 1990 law that created a legal process for federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to return American Indian human remains and cultural items to respective tribes or lineal descendants.
NAGPRA grants, supported by appropriations from Congress, are meant to build cultural resources capacity for Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations and museums, so they may work to fulfill the law.
For the past three years, Congress has appropriated $2,331,000 each year for the NAGPRA grants program, which is widely heralded by many tribes for its ability to help them get up to speed on carrying out the intentions of the law.
Despite the tribal appreciation of the program, the Park Service only requested $1,750,000 for it in 2011. That's a decrease of $581,000 or 25 percent of the level Congress appropriated for the program in 2010.
The dramatically curtailed request comes at a time soon after the Park Service reported the actual number of grant applications has more than doubled since fiscal year 2008.
The national review committee that oversees NAGPRA-related issues has long been concerned the grants program should not be shortchanged - and it has seen a need to increase, not reduce, its funding. The committee recommended in its 2008 report to Congress that the grant amount be increased to $4.1 million.
So, it is all the more puzzling to tribal officials why the Park Service is trying to cut the program via its reduced budget proposal.
"It would be one thing if Congress didn't want to support this successful program," said Colin Kippen, a former chairman of the review committee.
"But why is the agency that knows all too well the importance of these grants trying to reduce the amount available to tribes, Native Hawaiians and museums?
"I am really troubled by this, especially because it reduces capacity-building surrounding NAGPRA at the very time when more tribes have learned about items that should be repatriated."
In the past, NAGPRA officials have said the grants program just wasn't popular enough to dole out all the funds appropriated by Congress, so the officials who run the program ended up reshuffling funding to use the grants money for other purposes.
The reshuffling of funds away from the grants program was so alarming to Ronnie Lupe, chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, that he wrote a letter to NAGPRA headquarters in 2008, saying his tribe has "deep concern and disappointment" over the way officials there have handled the program. One of his concerns is that the NAGPRA office may show bias against tribal cultural resource directors who might not be the best grant writers, but who know the traditional ways of their people.
Also, since there is only one Native person on the NAGPRA staff, Lupe and others have said the office sometimes suffers a disconnect from the communities it aims to serve.
After the fiscal year 2011 budget reduction announcement, some tribal officials are questioning whether the Park Service and federal NAGPRA officials are boldly trying to codify less money to the grant program, so they may more easily do as they see fit with congressional funds.
"That's one question that needs to be asked," said Kippen, who suggested tribal officials contact the Government Accountability Office to report their concerns. The GAO is currently in the process of investigating NAGPRA officials as a result of concerns raised in a 2008 report co-authored by the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and the Makah Nation.
NATHPO continues to track the developments of the grants program and is disheartened by the Park Service's 2011 budget request.
"NATHPO is concerned about this severe reduction [in the program] as the NAGPRA grant program was designed to be, and is the major source of federal support made available to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to seek the return of their ancestors and sacred items," said D. Bambi Kraus, director of the organization.
Ramon Riley, director of cultural resources with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, said the elimination of a substantial portion of the program will likely cause on-the-ground problems for many tribes. His tribe was able to use one of the grants in recent years to become better at fulfilling its NAGPRA mission.
"It's not right for this program to be reduced. It helps tribes build capacity to carry out the law and protect their sacred items and people."
In response to questions about the proposed cutback, Sherry Hutt, program manager for the national NAGPRA program, said times are lean.
"As to why the amount for grants has gone down, I do not have more to tell you than the general sense that budgets are tight across the board in federal agencies.
"You will note that Congress cut certain grants programs to zero as they did not think they had a clear sense of mission and criteria for awards. Obviously, Congress and the Department of the Interior do support the NAGPRA grants program, as funding continues even in difficult financial times."
To date, Hutt's explanations of the NAGPRA grant situation have raised general concern in Indian country, but her office's new budget request changes may raise more red flags, some tribal affairs experts believe.
"It's time to bring our concerns to the GAO and Congress," Riley said. "Something is wrong here."
Indian Country Today
WASHINGTON - One area of the Obama administration's proposed fiscal year 2011 budget sticks out like a sore thumb. While most Indian-focused programs are remaining steady or are set to make increases, the National Park Service has proposed to dramatically reduce the amount available for NAGPRA grants.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is the 1990 law that created a legal process for federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to return American Indian human remains and cultural items to respective tribes or lineal descendants.
NAGPRA grants, supported by appropriations from Congress, are meant to build cultural resources capacity for Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations and museums, so they may work to fulfill the law.
For the past three years, Congress has appropriated $2,331,000 each year for the NAGPRA grants program, which is widely heralded by many tribes for its ability to help them get up to speed on carrying out the intentions of the law.
Despite the tribal appreciation of the program, the Park Service only requested $1,750,000 for it in 2011. That's a decrease of $581,000 or 25 percent of the level Congress appropriated for the program in 2010.
The dramatically curtailed request comes at a time soon after the Park Service reported the actual number of grant applications has more than doubled since fiscal year 2008.
The national review committee that oversees NAGPRA-related issues has long been concerned the grants program should not be shortchanged - and it has seen a need to increase, not reduce, its funding. The committee recommended in its 2008 report to Congress that the grant amount be increased to $4.1 million.
So, it is all the more puzzling to tribal officials why the Park Service is trying to cut the program via its reduced budget proposal.
"It would be one thing if Congress didn't want to support this successful program," said Colin Kippen, a former chairman of the review committee.
"But why is the agency that knows all too well the importance of these grants trying to reduce the amount available to tribes, Native Hawaiians and museums?
"I am really troubled by this, especially because it reduces capacity-building surrounding NAGPRA at the very time when more tribes have learned about items that should be repatriated."
In the past, NAGPRA officials have said the grants program just wasn't popular enough to dole out all the funds appropriated by Congress, so the officials who run the program ended up reshuffling funding to use the grants money for other purposes.
The reshuffling of funds away from the grants program was so alarming to Ronnie Lupe, chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, that he wrote a letter to NAGPRA headquarters in 2008, saying his tribe has "deep concern and disappointment" over the way officials there have handled the program. One of his concerns is that the NAGPRA office may show bias against tribal cultural resource directors who might not be the best grant writers, but who know the traditional ways of their people.
Also, since there is only one Native person on the NAGPRA staff, Lupe and others have said the office sometimes suffers a disconnect from the communities it aims to serve.
After the fiscal year 2011 budget reduction announcement, some tribal officials are questioning whether the Park Service and federal NAGPRA officials are boldly trying to codify less money to the grant program, so they may more easily do as they see fit with congressional funds.
"That's one question that needs to be asked," said Kippen, who suggested tribal officials contact the Government Accountability Office to report their concerns. The GAO is currently in the process of investigating NAGPRA officials as a result of concerns raised in a 2008 report co-authored by the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and the Makah Nation.
NATHPO continues to track the developments of the grants program and is disheartened by the Park Service's 2011 budget request.
"NATHPO is concerned about this severe reduction [in the program] as the NAGPRA grant program was designed to be, and is the major source of federal support made available to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to seek the return of their ancestors and sacred items," said D. Bambi Kraus, director of the organization.
Ramon Riley, director of cultural resources with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, said the elimination of a substantial portion of the program will likely cause on-the-ground problems for many tribes. His tribe was able to use one of the grants in recent years to become better at fulfilling its NAGPRA mission.
"It's not right for this program to be reduced. It helps tribes build capacity to carry out the law and protect their sacred items and people."
In response to questions about the proposed cutback, Sherry Hutt, program manager for the national NAGPRA program, said times are lean.
"As to why the amount for grants has gone down, I do not have more to tell you than the general sense that budgets are tight across the board in federal agencies.
"You will note that Congress cut certain grants programs to zero as they did not think they had a clear sense of mission and criteria for awards. Obviously, Congress and the Department of the Interior do support the NAGPRA grants program, as funding continues even in difficult financial times."
To date, Hutt's explanations of the NAGPRA grant situation have raised general concern in Indian country, but her office's new budget request changes may raise more red flags, some tribal affairs experts believe.
"It's time to bring our concerns to the GAO and Congress," Riley said. "Something is wrong here."
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
On the Economic Impact of Save America's Treasures
Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, tells us about the real economic impact of "Save America's Treasures," a successful historic preservation grant program eliminated in the President's proposed budget for 2011. Rypkema used the federal government's calculations to put the success in perspective. Read PlaceEconomics blog post here.
Historic Hawaii Foundation's Testimony on HB2484
To: Rep. Mele Carroll, Chair
Rep. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Vice Chair, Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Rep. Ken Ito, Chair
Rep. Sharon E. Har, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
9:00 am
Conference Room 329
Subject: HB2484, Relating to Historic Preservation
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in support of the intent of HB2484, which provides civil penalties for the knowing destruction of heiau located on private lands, except as permitted by the department of land and natural resources.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, including civil and administrative penalties for the destruction of sites significant to the history and prehistory of Native Hawaiians.
The intent of HB2484 is to provide protection of sacred and traditional cultural sites on private lands, but there is some ambiguity that could lead to later conflicts. HHF recommends that definitions of heiau be added to the measure, as well as guidance for reconciling differences of professional and/or cultural judgment in the event that there is disagreement about the use, archaeological features or historic integrity of the subject site. We also recommend that the measure not be limited to private property, but to apply equally to lands owned or controlled by the State or any of its political subdivisions.
Rep. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Vice Chair, Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Rep. Ken Ito, Chair
Rep. Sharon E. Har, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
9:00 am
Conference Room 329
Subject: HB2484, Relating to Historic Preservation
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in support of the intent of HB2484, which provides civil penalties for the knowing destruction of heiau located on private lands, except as permitted by the department of land and natural resources.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, including civil and administrative penalties for the destruction of sites significant to the history and prehistory of Native Hawaiians.
The intent of HB2484 is to provide protection of sacred and traditional cultural sites on private lands, but there is some ambiguity that could lead to later conflicts. HHF recommends that definitions of heiau be added to the measure, as well as guidance for reconciling differences of professional and/or cultural judgment in the event that there is disagreement about the use, archaeological features or historic integrity of the subject site. We also recommend that the measure not be limited to private property, but to apply equally to lands owned or controlled by the State or any of its political subdivisions.
Historic Hawaii Foundation's Testimony on HB2480
VIA EMAIL:
To: Rep. Mele Carroll, Chair
Rep. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Vice Chair, Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Rep. Ken Ito, Chair
Rep. Sharon E. Har, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
9:00 am
Conference Room 329
Subject: HB2480, Relating to Historic Places
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in support of HB2480, which requires the state historic preservation division to report on the historical significance of an archaeological site or feature if it is destroyed, and provides civil penalties for destruction of archaeological sites that are listed on the state or national registers of historic places.
Since 1974, Historic Hawaii Foundation has been a statewide leader for historic preservation. HHF works to preserve Hawaii’s unique architectural and cultural heritage and believes that historic preservation is an important element in the present and future quality of life, economic viability and environmental sustainability of the state.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, including civil and administrative penalties for the destruction of sites significant to the history and prehistory of Native Hawaiians that are designated on the state and national registers of historic places.
While the intent of HB2480 is to provide protection of archaeological sites and features only, HHF would also encourage the same level of protection for other sites that are designated on the historic registers. To that end, we recommend that the legislature direct the department of land and natural resources to convene a review of best practices and models for good preservation systems that can be implemented comprehensively, with recommendations to be submitted to the legislature next year.
Therefore, HHF recommends that HB2480 be approved.
To: Rep. Mele Carroll, Chair
Rep. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Vice Chair, Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Rep. Ken Ito, Chair
Rep. Sharon E. Har, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
9:00 am
Conference Room 329
Subject: HB2480, Relating to Historic Places
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in support of HB2480, which requires the state historic preservation division to report on the historical significance of an archaeological site or feature if it is destroyed, and provides civil penalties for destruction of archaeological sites that are listed on the state or national registers of historic places.
Since 1974, Historic Hawaii Foundation has been a statewide leader for historic preservation. HHF works to preserve Hawaii’s unique architectural and cultural heritage and believes that historic preservation is an important element in the present and future quality of life, economic viability and environmental sustainability of the state.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, including civil and administrative penalties for the destruction of sites significant to the history and prehistory of Native Hawaiians that are designated on the state and national registers of historic places.
While the intent of HB2480 is to provide protection of archaeological sites and features only, HHF would also encourage the same level of protection for other sites that are designated on the historic registers. To that end, we recommend that the legislature direct the department of land and natural resources to convene a review of best practices and models for good preservation systems that can be implemented comprehensively, with recommendations to be submitted to the legislature next year.
Therefore, HHF recommends that HB2480 be approved.
HHF testimony on HB2825
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Friday, February 5, 2010
11:00 am
Conference Room 325
Subject: HB2825, Relating to Building Permits
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in opposition to HB2825, which exempts from the county building permit requirement construction of nonresidential agricultural and aquacultural structures on state lands and large privately-owned land parcels leased for agricultural or aquacultural operations.
Land parcels that are likely to be affected by HB 2825 are also likely to contain archaeological, cultural or other historic sites associated with one of the major eras in Hawai‘i’s history, either pre-contact Native Hawaiian or more recent plantation-era development. The investigation and research that results in identification and inventory of historic sites is often triggered by a development proposal, frequently tied to the application for a permit. While some of these historic sites would be identified at an earlier stage than building permit application, and consequently have appropriate protective measures, many of the sites could be unmarked or unprotected up until the time of permitting.
Because building permits are integrally aligned with the State’s historic preservation processes, exempting new development from the permitting procedures would have the additional consequence of eliminating historic preservation reviews. It would be unfortunate if, in the pursuit of support for agriculture, a new law had the unintended consequence of destroying portions of the state’s historic and cultural resources.
Therefore, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation opposes HB2825.
The 21st annual Symposium on the Maritime Archaeology and History of Hawaii and the Pacific (MAHHP).
The Symposium will be held February 12-14 in Honolulu. This year’s theme is “SUNKEN WARBIRDS: The Legacy of Naval Aviation in the Pacific,” although not all presentations have an aviation theme. Detailed schedule can be found at: http://mahhi.org/Schedule.html.
The Symposium begins with the free and open to the public Friday night keynote featuring Kenneth DeHoff, CEO of the Pacific Aviation Museum, February 12 at 7:00pm on the UH Manoa campus (BusAd A-101).
On Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14, the symposium will be held in the Hawaii Kai NOAA Sanctuaries office (6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite #300) above Roy’s Restaurant. Saturday registration opens at 8am, Sunday 8:30am.
Registration fees: $75 for the two days ($40 one-day), Students $30 ($20 one-day); register online at http://mahhi.org/Registration.html.
The Symposium begins with the free and open to the public Friday night keynote featuring Kenneth DeHoff, CEO of the Pacific Aviation Museum, February 12 at 7:00pm on the UH Manoa campus (BusAd A-101).
On Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14, the symposium will be held in the Hawaii Kai NOAA Sanctuaries office (6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite #300) above Roy’s Restaurant. Saturday registration opens at 8am, Sunday 8:30am.
Registration fees: $75 for the two days ($40 one-day), Students $30 ($20 one-day); register online at http://mahhi.org/Registration.html.
Jamaica for Sale
Ever wonder what happens when unsustainable tourism and development spiral out of control on an island paradise? Look no further than the island nation of Jamaica, as Dr. Esther Figueroa investigates in her documentary film, Jamaica for Sale.
The documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival and the Bronze Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival, will be shown on Thursday, February 18th at the William S. Richardson School of Law. It takes a poignant look at the environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts of unsustainable tourism development in Jamaica through the eyes of its workers, small hoteliers, fishermen, community members, and environmentalists.
The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) and Center for Sustainable Coastal Tourism will be hosting the event and providing refreshments prior to the film.
Maxine Burkett, director of ICAP and associate professor of law at the William S. Richardson School of Law, explained why Hawai‘i residents will be particularly interested in the film. “ICAP is uniquely concerned with the vulnerability of island communities to a changing climate. Jamaica for Sale demonstrates the impacts of tourism on island environments - human and natural - and highlights the need to cultivate a sustainable tourism industry as we build a more resilient Hawai'i.”
A panel discussion following the film will be held. Filmmaker Dr. Esther Figueroa will be joined by Dr. James Mak, Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawai‘i Department of Economics and author of Developing a Dream Destination: Tourism and Tourism Policy Planning in Hawai‘i and Mr. Ramsay Taum, Native Hawaiian cultural consultant to the tourism industry.
Media coverage is invited and encouraged
Thursday, February 18, 2010, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
William S. Richardson School of Law, Classroom 1
2515 Dole Street, Honolulu
(refreshments will be provided prior to the film)
The University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program is part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.
It supports an innovative program of research, education and extension services directed to the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources of the state, region and nation. Science serving Hawai’i and the Pacific for over 40 years.
Jamaica for Sale - Produced & Directed by Esther Figueroa
A Documentary about Tourism and Unsustainable Development.
Though the Caribbean receives about five percent of the global tourist trade, it is the region most economically dependent on tourism. Heavily promoted since 1891 as the way to modernization and prosperity, tourism has tragically failed in its promises, as Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries in the world. Lively, hard hitting, with powerful voices, arresting visuals and iconic music, Jamaica for Sale documents the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of unsustainable tourism development. Filled with wit and penetrating observations from the street wise to highly acclaimed academics, Jamaica for Sale engages with a cross section of Jamaicans: workers, small hoteliers, fishermen, community members, and environmentalists. As Jamaica is irreversibly transformed by massive hotel and luxury condominium development, Jamaica for Sale both documents this transformation and is trying to turn the tide. It is a cautionary tale not just for Jamaica, but all islands in the Caribbean, and all places around the world who are dependent on tourism and/or participating in unsustainable development practices.
Esther Figueroa, PhD, (Vagabond Media, Juniroa Productions, Inc.) is a Jamaican independent filmmaker, writer, educator and linguist. She has over 25 years of experience in media production including documentaries, oral histories, educational videos, television programming, music videos, multi-media, web content, and feature film. An activist filmmaker, her work focuses on local knowledge, indigenous cultures, social injustice, community empowerment, and the environment. Her work gives voice to those outside of mainstream media, and aims to counter the dominant values, information and world views portrayed in commercial media.
For more information, please contact:
Cindy Knapman
Communications Leader
University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program
2525 Correa Road, HIG #208
Honolulu, HI 96822
808) 956-7410
lknapman@hawaii.edu
The documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival and the Bronze Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival, will be shown on Thursday, February 18th at the William S. Richardson School of Law. It takes a poignant look at the environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts of unsustainable tourism development in Jamaica through the eyes of its workers, small hoteliers, fishermen, community members, and environmentalists.
The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) and Center for Sustainable Coastal Tourism will be hosting the event and providing refreshments prior to the film.
Maxine Burkett, director of ICAP and associate professor of law at the William S. Richardson School of Law, explained why Hawai‘i residents will be particularly interested in the film. “ICAP is uniquely concerned with the vulnerability of island communities to a changing climate. Jamaica for Sale demonstrates the impacts of tourism on island environments - human and natural - and highlights the need to cultivate a sustainable tourism industry as we build a more resilient Hawai'i.”
A panel discussion following the film will be held. Filmmaker Dr. Esther Figueroa will be joined by Dr. James Mak, Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawai‘i Department of Economics and author of Developing a Dream Destination: Tourism and Tourism Policy Planning in Hawai‘i and Mr. Ramsay Taum, Native Hawaiian cultural consultant to the tourism industry.
Media coverage is invited and encouraged
Thursday, February 18, 2010, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
William S. Richardson School of Law, Classroom 1
2515 Dole Street, Honolulu
(refreshments will be provided prior to the film)
The University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program is part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.
It supports an innovative program of research, education and extension services directed to the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources of the state, region and nation. Science serving Hawai’i and the Pacific for over 40 years.
Jamaica for Sale - Produced & Directed by Esther Figueroa
A Documentary about Tourism and Unsustainable Development.
Though the Caribbean receives about five percent of the global tourist trade, it is the region most economically dependent on tourism. Heavily promoted since 1891 as the way to modernization and prosperity, tourism has tragically failed in its promises, as Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries in the world. Lively, hard hitting, with powerful voices, arresting visuals and iconic music, Jamaica for Sale documents the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of unsustainable tourism development. Filled with wit and penetrating observations from the street wise to highly acclaimed academics, Jamaica for Sale engages with a cross section of Jamaicans: workers, small hoteliers, fishermen, community members, and environmentalists. As Jamaica is irreversibly transformed by massive hotel and luxury condominium development, Jamaica for Sale both documents this transformation and is trying to turn the tide. It is a cautionary tale not just for Jamaica, but all islands in the Caribbean, and all places around the world who are dependent on tourism and/or participating in unsustainable development practices.
Esther Figueroa, PhD, (Vagabond Media, Juniroa Productions, Inc.) is a Jamaican independent filmmaker, writer, educator and linguist. She has over 25 years of experience in media production including documentaries, oral histories, educational videos, television programming, music videos, multi-media, web content, and feature film. An activist filmmaker, her work focuses on local knowledge, indigenous cultures, social injustice, community empowerment, and the environment. Her work gives voice to those outside of mainstream media, and aims to counter the dominant values, information and world views portrayed in commercial media.
For more information, please contact:
Cindy Knapman
Communications Leader
University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program
2525 Correa Road, HIG #208
Honolulu, HI 96822
808) 956-7410
lknapman@hawaii.edu
Hawaii Scenic Byways Program - 2010 Call for Nominations
The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the Hawaii Scenic Byways Program - 2010 Call for Nominations. Nomination application requirements and documents, along with additional information about the State and National Scenic Byways Programs can be found at http://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/scenicbyways.
Nomination application documents are due no later than March 31, 2010. An information teleconference will be scheduled for February 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
For additional information, and to register for the teleconference, contact Hawaii Scenic Byways Coordinators:
David L. Zevenbergen Email: David.L.Zevenbergen@hawaii.gov
Tel: (808) 587 6341
Wayne Kawahara Email: Wayne.Kawahara@hawaii.gov
Tel: (808) 587 6357
Nomination application documents are due no later than March 31, 2010. An information teleconference will be scheduled for February 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
For additional information, and to register for the teleconference, contact Hawaii Scenic Byways Coordinators:
David L. Zevenbergen Email: David.L.Zevenbergen@hawaii.gov
Tel: (808) 587 6341
Wayne Kawahara Email: Wayne.Kawahara@hawaii.gov
Tel: (808) 587 6357
Monday, February 8, 2010
DLNR TAKES STEPS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE NATURAL, CULTURAL RESOURCES AT KEALAKEKUA BAY VIA NEW KA‘AWALOA LANDING PERMIT.
KAILUA-KONA – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is implementing new measures to improve its management of the Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park and better protect the sensitive natural, historic and cultural resources of these treasures of Hawai‘i.
To prevent damage to the shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring that visitors to the park receive information regarding the sensitive sites and guidance on how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Effective February 23, 2010 information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay.
“Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices permits that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.
“Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage,” she added.
“In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life,” she said.
Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify people of this system and provide information on how they can obtain a permit.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Ka ‘ awaloa peninsula within the bay are two of Hawai‘i's most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites.
Ka ‘ awaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the famous Captain Cook Monument from the bay. Boaters also use this shoreline to beach their vessel before snorkeling at Ka ‘ awaloa Cove.
“We encourage every visitor and resident to enjoy this magnificent area, and to do so responsibly to protect and preserve the corals and marine life and help ensure public safety,” said Deborah Ward, spokesperson for DLNR.
DLNR has conducted recent law enforcement actions at the pier in cooperation with Hawai‘i County Police to address illegal commercial rental of kayaks. Several illegal kayaks have been confiscated.
DLNR is informing kayak rental vendors of the new permit requirement, and requesting that the vendors advise their customers of the landing without a permit restriction.
DLNR Enforcement officers have posted and distributed the same notice at Napo‘opo‘o Pier. DLNR will also implement an outreach plan to kayak and ocean recreation companies, visitor and resident recreational interests.
45 second rip and read: To prevent damage to the Ka‘awaloa shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring visitors to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park to receive information and guidance regarding sensitive sites and how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay. For information on how to obtain a permit contact the State Parks office in Hilo at (808) 974-6200.
How to obtain a kayak or vessel landing permit for Ka ‘ awaloa
DLNR has established a new process to issue kayak or vessel landing permits for Ka‘awaloa that come with special conditions for public users, that are intended to educate and provide guidance to ensure sites are protected.
• When visiting Ka‘awaloa, respect for the land, water and the associated cultural resources is encouraged).
• A separate permit is required for each vessel, and each permit is valid for only one day. The total number of noncommercial general public landing permits to be issued per day is 10.
• Noncommercial landing permits that include these special conditions at Ka‘awaloa are available at: Division of State Parks, Hawai‘i District Office, 75 Aupuni St., Room 204, Hilo, HI. 96729; telephone (808) 974-6200.
• Landing permits will also be available on line at http://www.hawaiistateparks.org under the heading of "Announcements".
• Online permit applications, once filled out and signed, may be either 1) emailed to: Dean.H.Takebayashi@hawaii.gov , 2) mailed to the State Parks Hawai‘i District Office or, 3) faxed to (808) 974-6222. Call the Hilo office at (808) 974-6206 for information.
• Permit applications will be reviewed and upon approval, can be either emailed as a pdf, mailed or faxed back to the respective applicant.
• The DLNR Hawai‘i Division of Conservation and Enforcement will be sent copies of the noncommercial permits upon approval.
• Any person beaching or launching a kayak or other vessel along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or mooring at the wharf adjacent to the Cook Monument, without a permit from the DLNR will be subject to civil penalty, and the kayak or vessel may be subject to confiscation.
An existing State Parks rule (HAR §13-146-13) prohibits landing, operating, leaving unattended, beaching, parking, launching, mooring and anchoring of vessels where prohibited by signage. Under the department’s Civil Resources Penalties System, a first offense may be subject to an administrative fine of up to $30 if promptly responded to, or $60 fine if not responded to promptly. A second offense could be subject to an administrative fine of up to $50 if responded to promptly, or up to $100 if not responded to promptly.
To prevent damage to the shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring that visitors to the park receive information regarding the sensitive sites and guidance on how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Effective February 23, 2010 information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay.
“Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices permits that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.
“Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage,” she added.
“In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life,” she said.
Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify people of this system and provide information on how they can obtain a permit.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Ka ‘ awaloa peninsula within the bay are two of Hawai‘i's most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites.
Ka ‘ awaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the famous Captain Cook Monument from the bay. Boaters also use this shoreline to beach their vessel before snorkeling at Ka ‘ awaloa Cove.
“We encourage every visitor and resident to enjoy this magnificent area, and to do so responsibly to protect and preserve the corals and marine life and help ensure public safety,” said Deborah Ward, spokesperson for DLNR.
DLNR has conducted recent law enforcement actions at the pier in cooperation with Hawai‘i County Police to address illegal commercial rental of kayaks. Several illegal kayaks have been confiscated.
DLNR is informing kayak rental vendors of the new permit requirement, and requesting that the vendors advise their customers of the landing without a permit restriction.
DLNR Enforcement officers have posted and distributed the same notice at Napo‘opo‘o Pier. DLNR will also implement an outreach plan to kayak and ocean recreation companies, visitor and resident recreational interests.
45 second rip and read: To prevent damage to the Ka‘awaloa shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring visitors to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park to receive information and guidance regarding sensitive sites and how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay. For information on how to obtain a permit contact the State Parks office in Hilo at (808) 974-6200.
How to obtain a kayak or vessel landing permit for Ka ‘ awaloa
DLNR has established a new process to issue kayak or vessel landing permits for Ka‘awaloa that come with special conditions for public users, that are intended to educate and provide guidance to ensure sites are protected.
• When visiting Ka‘awaloa, respect for the land, water and the associated cultural resources is encouraged).
• A separate permit is required for each vessel, and each permit is valid for only one day. The total number of noncommercial general public landing permits to be issued per day is 10.
• Noncommercial landing permits that include these special conditions at Ka‘awaloa are available at: Division of State Parks, Hawai‘i District Office, 75 Aupuni St., Room 204, Hilo, HI. 96729; telephone (808) 974-6200.
• Landing permits will also be available on line at http://www.hawaiistateparks.org under the heading of "Announcements".
• Online permit applications, once filled out and signed, may be either 1) emailed to: Dean.H.Takebayashi@hawaii.gov , 2) mailed to the State Parks Hawai‘i District Office or, 3) faxed to (808) 974-6222. Call the Hilo office at (808) 974-6206 for information.
• Permit applications will be reviewed and upon approval, can be either emailed as a pdf, mailed or faxed back to the respective applicant.
• The DLNR Hawai‘i Division of Conservation and Enforcement will be sent copies of the noncommercial permits upon approval.
• Any person beaching or launching a kayak or other vessel along the Ka ‘ awaloa shoreline or mooring at the wharf adjacent to the Cook Monument, without a permit from the DLNR will be subject to civil penalty, and the kayak or vessel may be subject to confiscation.
An existing State Parks rule (HAR §13-146-13) prohibits landing, operating, leaving unattended, beaching, parking, launching, mooring and anchoring of vessels where prohibited by signage. Under the department’s Civil Resources Penalties System, a first offense may be subject to an administrative fine of up to $30 if promptly responded to, or $60 fine if not responded to promptly. A second offense could be subject to an administrative fine of up to $50 if responded to promptly, or up to $100 if not responded to promptly.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
1917 Kaimuki Home Receives Demolition Permit
Historic Hawaii Foundation is reviewing the situation to ensure that the permitting process has allowed the appropriate agencies to comment. This case has drawn attention to irregularities in the review process that need to be reviewed comprehensively.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Proposed Bill (HB1965) Leaves Many Unanswered Questions
In its testimony submitted Jan 26, 2010, Historic Hawaii Foundation (HHF) supports the intent of House Bill HB1965, which would require an archaeology inventory survey prior to the sale of undeveloped land. However, with so many unanswered questions, HHF recommends deferring the bill and directing the Hawaii State Division of Land and Natural Resources to review best practices and make recommendations for implementation next year.
_____________________________________________________________
To: Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey, Chair
Rep. Isaac W. Choy, Vice Chair
Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
8:30 am
Conference Room 312
Subject: HB1965, Relating to Preservation
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing with comments about HB1965, which requires an archaeology inventory survey prior to the sale or offer of sale or long-term lease of any undeveloped property in the state.
Since 1974, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has been a statewide leader for historic preservation. HHF’s 850 members and numerous additional supporters work to preserve Hawai‘i’s unique architectural and cultural heritage and believe that historic preservation is an important element in the present and future quality of life, economic viability and environmental sustainability of the state.
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation supports the intent of the bill, which appears to be an attempt to improve the process to identify and disclose the presence of potentially significant historic and cultural sites in a timely way, in order to allow the planning and development process to provide for their protection, and to provide for consumer protection by ensuring that property owners are informed about historic preservation responsibilities and restrictions. A process that provides for the discovery, documentation, evaluation and preservation of significant historic properties is in the best interest of all stakeholders, including property owners, developers, and the greater community. Providing for better knowledge of potential sites early in the planning process would help eliminate conflicts and misunderstandings prior to significant investment of time and money.
However, it is unclear how the new requirement to conduct an archaeology inventory survey at the time of sale or lease would be integrated with other planning and permitting functions of the state and county governments. The state historic preservation division (SHPD) already has a mandate to conduct historic surveys and inventories; the county governments should also be including that level of analysis in their general plans and community development plans. Both SHPD and county permitting departments are supposed to require and review archaeology inventory surveys (AIS) prior to issuing grubbing and grading permits. The bill appears either to add another level of analysis and review, or to shift the responsibility to the time of sale rather than the time of planning and/or development.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, and to have full disclosure of the rights and responsibilities that come with ownership and management of historic properties. However, the mechanism offered by the bill raises several questions. Will the AIS be repeated each time the property changes hands or will the initial survey be sufficient? Will the AIS be repeated at the time of planning, development and permitting or does it replace that later review? If SHPD’s recommendations for preservation and/or reclassification are not implemented, what is the remedy? How will these recommendations be integrated with other community plans and land use codes? How will the information be made available? How will the measure be enforced and which agency will carry out enforcement?
HHF is also concerned that the state historic preservation division would be charged with another mandate without commensurate staffing and financial support, and that the new mandate would be layered onto existing duties without being fully aligned or integrated with them. We believe that a comprehensive review of the state’s historic preservation program, including the management and regulatory structure, is necessary. Rather than address these issues ad hoc, we would like to see a thoughtful and deliberate approach that includes recommendations for planning, regulations, incentives, education, integration with federal and county processes, and use of best practices in the preservation industry.
Therefore, HHF recommends that HB1965 be deferred, and that the legislature direct the department of land and natural resources to convene a review of best practices and models for good preservation systems that can be implemented comprehensively, with recommendations to be submitted to the legislature next year.
_____________________________________________________________
To: Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey, Chair
Rep. Isaac W. Choy, Vice Chair
Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs
From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
8:30 am
Conference Room 312
Subject: HB1965, Relating to Preservation
On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing with comments about HB1965, which requires an archaeology inventory survey prior to the sale or offer of sale or long-term lease of any undeveloped property in the state.
Since 1974, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has been a statewide leader for historic preservation. HHF’s 850 members and numerous additional supporters work to preserve Hawai‘i’s unique architectural and cultural heritage and believe that historic preservation is an important element in the present and future quality of life, economic viability and environmental sustainability of the state.
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation supports the intent of the bill, which appears to be an attempt to improve the process to identify and disclose the presence of potentially significant historic and cultural sites in a timely way, in order to allow the planning and development process to provide for their protection, and to provide for consumer protection by ensuring that property owners are informed about historic preservation responsibilities and restrictions. A process that provides for the discovery, documentation, evaluation and preservation of significant historic properties is in the best interest of all stakeholders, including property owners, developers, and the greater community. Providing for better knowledge of potential sites early in the planning process would help eliminate conflicts and misunderstandings prior to significant investment of time and money.
However, it is unclear how the new requirement to conduct an archaeology inventory survey at the time of sale or lease would be integrated with other planning and permitting functions of the state and county governments. The state historic preservation division (SHPD) already has a mandate to conduct historic surveys and inventories; the county governments should also be including that level of analysis in their general plans and community development plans. Both SHPD and county permitting departments are supposed to require and review archaeology inventory surveys (AIS) prior to issuing grubbing and grading permits. The bill appears either to add another level of analysis and review, or to shift the responsibility to the time of sale rather than the time of planning and/or development.
HHF strongly supports all efforts to identify and protect significant historic properties, and to have full disclosure of the rights and responsibilities that come with ownership and management of historic properties. However, the mechanism offered by the bill raises several questions. Will the AIS be repeated each time the property changes hands or will the initial survey be sufficient? Will the AIS be repeated at the time of planning, development and permitting or does it replace that later review? If SHPD’s recommendations for preservation and/or reclassification are not implemented, what is the remedy? How will these recommendations be integrated with other community plans and land use codes? How will the information be made available? How will the measure be enforced and which agency will carry out enforcement?
HHF is also concerned that the state historic preservation division would be charged with another mandate without commensurate staffing and financial support, and that the new mandate would be layered onto existing duties without being fully aligned or integrated with them. We believe that a comprehensive review of the state’s historic preservation program, including the management and regulatory structure, is necessary. Rather than address these issues ad hoc, we would like to see a thoughtful and deliberate approach that includes recommendations for planning, regulations, incentives, education, integration with federal and county processes, and use of best practices in the preservation industry.
Therefore, HHF recommends that HB1965 be deferred, and that the legislature direct the department of land and natural resources to convene a review of best practices and models for good preservation systems that can be implemented comprehensively, with recommendations to be submitted to the legislature next year.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
President's 2011 Budget Proposal Eliminates "Save America's Treasures" and "Preserve America" Programs
February 2, 2010. President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request to Congress would eliminate or reduce funding for important historic preservation programs, prompting an outcry from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), Preservation Action, and other preservation organizations across the country.
The budget request released yesterday slashed funding of key components of the national preservation program. It proposes to completely eliminate funding for the Save America’s Treasures and Preserve America grant programs, and includes a 50% cut to National Heritage Areas. These programs are funded entirely through revenues from offshore oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.
“We are especially concerned about reductions to Save America’s Treasures," the NTHP said in its statement released today. "It has enjoyed broad, bi-partisan Congressional support, and has played a vital role in successfully saving over 700 of America’s most significant places in all 50 states, from Ellis Island to Mesa Verde National Park to Valley Forge to Thomas Edison’s Invention Factory.”
Bishop Museum, the Battleship Missouri, Kaloko Fishpond at Kaloko-Honokohau NHP and Maui Jinsha Shrine are a just a few of the historic and cultural sites in Hawai‘i to receive funds from Save America’s Treasures, the only Federally-supported bricks-and-mortar grant program in the U.S.
Five historic communities in Hawai‘i have received Preserve America grants since 2007. Among these are Honolulu’s Chinatown, Kaua‘i County and Maui County.
“Over the last decade the Save America’s Treasures program has helped preserve some of our most significant historic places through modest grants that leverage private dollars, create jobs and strengthen communities,” said National Trust President Richard Moe in response to the proposed cuts. “What’s not to like about this program? It’s incredibly short-sighted that the administration proposes eliminating it at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”
While the popular Save America’s Treasures (SAT) and Preserve America (PA) programs have been completely eliminated, funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO/THPO) would remain the same as last year under the budget proposal. See below (in millions):
Unlike the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), however, the President has demonstrated a commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). According to his budget summary, the FY11 budget “stays on track to fully fund Land and Water Conservation Fund programs by 2014 providing nearly $620 million to acquire new lands for national parks, forests and refuges, protect endangered species habitat, and promote outdoor recreation.”
The $900 million annual authorization for the LWCF and the $150 million annual authorization for the HPF share the same source of funding—lease revenue from oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. Neither has ever received its fully authorized appropriations. More information about the HPF.
In the coming weeks and months, as Congress debates the budget, it will be imperative that you contact your legislators to tell them how important Save America’s Treasures and Preserve America are. Similarly, we need to communicate that the Historic Preservation Fund deserves the same commitment as the Land and Water Conservation Fund: full funding.
Contact information for Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation is below:
Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: 808-522-8970
FAX: 808-545-4683
Washington D.C.
141 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6361
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 7-212
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850-4975
Phone: 808-541-2542
Fax: 808-541-2549
Washington D.C.
722 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1102
Phone: 202-224-3934
Fax: 202-224-6747
Congressman Neil Abercrombie
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 4-104
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-2570
FAX: (808) 533-0133
Washington, DC
1502 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2726
FAX: (202) 225-4580
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-104
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96850
Phone:(808) 541-1986
FAX:(808) 538-0233
Washington, DC
1524 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:(202) 225-4906
Fax:(202) 225-4987
The budget request released yesterday slashed funding of key components of the national preservation program. It proposes to completely eliminate funding for the Save America’s Treasures and Preserve America grant programs, and includes a 50% cut to National Heritage Areas. These programs are funded entirely through revenues from offshore oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.
“We are especially concerned about reductions to Save America’s Treasures," the NTHP said in its statement released today. "It has enjoyed broad, bi-partisan Congressional support, and has played a vital role in successfully saving over 700 of America’s most significant places in all 50 states, from Ellis Island to Mesa Verde National Park to Valley Forge to Thomas Edison’s Invention Factory.”
Bishop Museum, the Battleship Missouri, Kaloko Fishpond at Kaloko-Honokohau NHP and Maui Jinsha Shrine are a just a few of the historic and cultural sites in Hawai‘i to receive funds from Save America’s Treasures, the only Federally-supported bricks-and-mortar grant program in the U.S.
Five historic communities in Hawai‘i have received Preserve America grants since 2007. Among these are Honolulu’s Chinatown, Kaua‘i County and Maui County.
“Over the last decade the Save America’s Treasures program has helped preserve some of our most significant historic places through modest grants that leverage private dollars, create jobs and strengthen communities,” said National Trust President Richard Moe in response to the proposed cuts. “What’s not to like about this program? It’s incredibly short-sighted that the administration proposes eliminating it at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”
While the popular Save America’s Treasures (SAT) and Preserve America (PA) programs have been completely eliminated, funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO/THPO) would remain the same as last year under the budget proposal. See below (in millions):
FY 2010 Final | FY 2011 Proposed | |
SHPOs | 46.5 | 46.5 |
THPOs | 8 | 8 |
Inventory/Survey | 0 | 0 |
SAT | 25 | 0 |
PA | 3.175* | 0 |
Total HPF | 79.5 | 54.5 |
*Funded through the Recreation and Preservation Account instead of the HPF
Unlike the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), however, the President has demonstrated a commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). According to his budget summary, the FY11 budget “stays on track to fully fund Land and Water Conservation Fund programs by 2014 providing nearly $620 million to acquire new lands for national parks, forests and refuges, protect endangered species habitat, and promote outdoor recreation.”
The $900 million annual authorization for the LWCF and the $150 million annual authorization for the HPF share the same source of funding—lease revenue from oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. Neither has ever received its fully authorized appropriations. More information about the HPF.
In the coming weeks and months, as Congress debates the budget, it will be imperative that you contact your legislators to tell them how important Save America’s Treasures and Preserve America are. Similarly, we need to communicate that the Historic Preservation Fund deserves the same commitment as the Land and Water Conservation Fund: full funding.
Contact information for Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation is below:
Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: 808-522-8970
FAX: 808-545-4683
Washington D.C.
141 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6361
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 7-212
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850-4975
Phone: 808-541-2542
Fax: 808-541-2549
Washington D.C.
722 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1102
Phone: 202-224-3934
Fax: 202-224-6747
Congressman Neil Abercrombie
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 4-104
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-2570
FAX: (808) 533-0133
Washington, DC
1502 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2726
FAX: (202) 225-4580
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono
Honolulu
Prince Kūhiō Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-104
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96850
Phone:(808) 541-1986
FAX:(808) 538-0233
Washington, DC
1524 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:(202) 225-4906
Fax:(202) 225-4987
We're looking for personal stories about the preservation in Hawai‘i
As a preservation ethic developed that is deeply felt throughout the Hawaiian Islands, there were moments that made a difference. We're looking for personal accounts about making a difference in historic preservation in Hawaii.
For example:
- Was your family witness to King Kalākaua’s unwavering support of hula?
- Did your parents tell you stories about the Daughters of Hawai‘i defending Queen Emma Summer Palace from a plan to create a ballfield?
- Do you remember Supreme Court battle over the historic designation of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
- Did you help keep ‘Iolani Palace from becoming a parking garage? Advocate for the property tax incentives offered to historic residences? Help strengthen the consultation process for federal undertakings?
Please write your story and send it to Bob Fox or by mail to 4348 Waialae Ave. #395 Honolulu, HI 96816. Photographs, both historic and current, are encouraged; digital format is preferred.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Veterans of World War I: Richard Belmont Catton
The Waikiki War Memorial was built to honor the men and women to served during "The Great War." Richard Belmont Catton is one of those honored here.
Richard Belmont Catton was born in Honolulu on July 12, 1890. He attended Oahu College, now known as Punahou School, and graduated from MIT's Electrical Engineering program in 1915.
At MIT he was a member of the swim team and Phi Beta Epsilon fraternity.
According to "Technology's War Record," the 1920 publication of the Alumni Association of MIT:
"Upon graduation from the Institute he offered his services to the Royal Engineers, but they were not accepted. He attended the Plattsburg officers' training camp in 1917, and in November was commissioned second lieutenant in the Aviation Section of the United States Signal Corps. In June, 1918, he sailed for France, to be employed in the construction of airdromes. In October he had a severe attack of influenza, recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital, but suffered a relapse. An operation for mastoiditis was necessary, and shortly afterward another from which he died at Savenay, France, on April 14, 1919."
Background:
The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium was dedicated to the men and women who served during "the Great War." The 1921 Territorial Legislature passed Act 15, which commissioned the memorial. It specified the memorial's location and that it "shall include a swimming course of at least 100 meters." All other design specifications were left to a design committee.
In December 2009, the City and County of Honolulu announced its plans to demolish the memorial and construct a new beach in its place. The City administration proposes a re-creation of the memorial's doorway be constructed elsewhere to honor the thousands of Hawaii's men and women who served in "The Great War."
More about the Waikiki War Memorial's future.
At MIT he was a member of the swim team and Phi Beta Epsilon fraternity.
According to "Technology's War Record," the 1920 publication of the Alumni Association of MIT:
"Upon graduation from the Institute he offered his services to the Royal Engineers, but they were not accepted. He attended the Plattsburg officers' training camp in 1917, and in November was commissioned second lieutenant in the Aviation Section of the United States Signal Corps. In June, 1918, he sailed for France, to be employed in the construction of airdromes. In October he had a severe attack of influenza, recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital, but suffered a relapse. An operation for mastoiditis was necessary, and shortly afterward another from which he died at Savenay, France, on April 14, 1919."
Background:
The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium was dedicated to the men and women who served during "the Great War." The 1921 Territorial Legislature passed Act 15, which commissioned the memorial. It specified the memorial's location and that it "shall include a swimming course of at least 100 meters." All other design specifications were left to a design committee.
In December 2009, the City and County of Honolulu announced its plans to demolish the memorial and construct a new beach in its place. The City administration proposes a re-creation of the memorial's doorway be constructed elsewhere to honor the thousands of Hawaii's men and women who served in "The Great War."
More about the Waikiki War Memorial's future.
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