Historic Hawaii Foundation's Testimony on SRC160: Relating to the replacement of the Hawaii State Capitol's reflecting ponds

SUBMITTED VIA WEB: www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony


To: Sen. Clayton Hee, Chair
Sen. Jill N. Tokuda, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs

From: Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Committee Date: Monday, March 22 2010
3:15 p.m. Conference Room 229

Subject: SCR160, Requesting Replacement of the State Capitol’s Reflecting Ponds

On behalf of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF), I am writing in opposition to SCR 160, which requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to approve and the Department of Accounting and General Services to plan and implement a proposal to replace the reflecting ponds surrounding the State Capitol with a garden of native plants.


The Hawai‘i State Capitol is designated on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Its architectural significance derives in part from the symbolism of the building features, which reflects the cultural, social and natural histories of Hawai‘i. As the only island state in the nation, Hawaii’s geography is unique. The design of the State Capitol reflects that geography: the reflecting ponds stand for the Pacific Ocean; the two chambers show the strength of the volcanic origins of the islands; the columns symbolize palm trees; and the rotunda is open to the sky.


Any proposal to rehabilitate or restore the structure should first begin with an understanding of the character-defining features that contribute to its historic significance, which certainly includes the reflecting pools. Recommendations to repair, maintain or retrofit the building need to take care to avoid adverse effects on those features. The role of the State Historic Preservation Division is to ensure that the proper care is taken during planning and design, as well as implementation of the approved plan. SHPD’s review of projects in based on preservation standards adopted by the Secretary of the Interior. The standards for rehabilitation and preservation of historic sites provide protection for the historic resources and should not be discarded lightly.


HHF recommends that the resolution be changed to direct SHPD and DAGS to develop a plan for the appropriate repair and maintenance of the waterproof membrane and control of algae. This would address the legislature’s concern for the maintenance and costs, protect the historic integrity of the Capitol, and support the professional standards used by the preservation division.

PUBLIC INVITED TO CELEBRATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL MARCH 15

The State Legislature’s Heritage Caucus and Historic Hawai‘i Foundation will present the 8^th Annual Historic Preservation Awareness Day to highlight and celebrate the history of Hawai‘i and the state’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage.

Some 30 exhibitors from the public, private and non-profit sectors will provide information about the role of historic preservation as an important element of community interaction and quality of life, as well as to demonstrate the importance of historic preservation to elected officials as they consider preservation legislation.

The exhibits will be held on the third floor of the Hawai‘i State Capitol on Monday, March 15, 2010, from 9:30 am to 12 pm.  This free event is open to the public.

“It’s inspiring to visit the exhibits and meet those individuals who are dedicated to protect and preserve historical properties, cultural sites, and sacred places,” said Representative Cindy Evans, co-chair of the state legislature’s Heritage Caucus.  “This day is an opportunity for the public, organizations and individuals active in preservation, and the legislature to come together and celebrate our heritage.”

“Historic Preservation Awareness Day is part of the collaborative effort to demonstrate the range of business, education, advocacy and arts organizations engaged in preserving Hawaii’s historic and cultural resources,” said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.

“As preservationists, many of us speak often about community character and quality of life benefits that come from preserving Hawaii’s historic, architectural and cultural heritage. But in these times of difficult economic decisions and competing values, that isn’t enough.  It is increasingly important to demonstrate that preservation offers measurable economic impacts,” Faulkner said.

“There is a direct link between investing in historic properties and the economic return for both property owners and government. Historic preservation is a powerful economic engine. The exhibitors at Historic Preservation Awareness Day all contribute to these industries in various ways. They not only preserve Hawaii’s heritage, they also contribute to its bottom line.  We are pleased to be able to use this opportunity to demonstrate the broad scope and deep value that they provide,” Faulkner added.

Exhibiting organizations will include:

·         Arts District Merchants Association

·         Bishop Museum

·         The Cathedral of St. Andrew

·         Chaminade University – Interior Design

·         Commander Navy Region Hawaii

·         Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i

·         Department of Land and Natural Resources, Historic Preservation and State Parks Divisions

·         E Mālama I Na Wao Lama Foundation (The Preservation of the Dry Land Forest)

·         Friends of ‘Iolani Palace

·         Friends of the Natatorium

·        Friends of Queen Theater

·         Fung Associates, Inc.

·         Hale‘iwa Main Street/North Shore Chamber of Commerce

·         Hawai‘i Capital Cultural Coalition

·         Hawai‘i Junior Archaeology Outreach Program

·         Historic Hawai‘i Foundation

·         Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

·         Kailua Historical Society

·         Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club

·         Mālama o Mānoa

·         Mission Houses Museum

·         National Park Service

·         National Trust for Historic Preservation

·         Office of Hawaiian Affairs

·         Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor

·         Pacific Islands Institute

·         Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

·        The Trust for Public Land

·         University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Historic Preservation Program and the Library Preservation Department

·         US Army Garrison Hawaii Cultural Resources Program

·         Waimea Valley Hi‘ipaka, LLC

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is a membership-based non-profit organization that encourages the preservation of historic sites on all the islands of Hawai‘i.  www.historichawaii.org

For more information about this event, please contact Historic Hawaii Foundation at (808)523-2900 x22 or preservation@historichawaii.org.