Bill > HB737

This bill modifies Hawaii's historic preservation laws by redefining "historic property" and adjusting requirements for historic preservation reviews. The definition of historic property is expanded to include not just buildings, structures, objects, districts, areas, or sites over fifty years old, but also properties that meet specific integrity and significance criteria or have important cultural value to Native Hawaiians or other ethnic groups. The bill removes the automatic requirement for historic preservation review for privately-owned single-family homes and townhouses simply because they are over fifty years old. Instead, such properties will only require review if they are listed on historic registers, nominated for inclusion on historic registers, or located within a historic district. This change aims to streamline the historic preservation review process by focusing on properties with demonstrable historical or cultural significance, rather than applying a blanket age-based requirement. The bill reflects a more nuanced approach to preserving historical and cultural heritage by considering both structural age and cultural importance.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=737&year=2026