Bill > HB737

This bill updates Hawaii's historic preservation laws by modifying the definition of "historic property" and adjusting review requirements for older residential properties. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of "historic property" beyond simply being over fifty years old to include properties that meet specific integrity and significance criteria for the Hawaii register of historic places, or have important cultural value to Native Hawaiians or other ethnic groups due to historical practices, traditional beliefs, or significant cultural associations. Additionally, the bill removes the automatic historic preservation review requirement for privately-owned single-family homes and townhouses that are over fifty years old, instead limiting historic preservation reviews to properties that are already listed on historical registers, nominated for inclusion on historical registers, or located within designated historic districts. These changes aim to provide more nuanced and flexible guidelines for historic preservation while maintaining protections for properties with genuine historical or cultural significance.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=737&year=2025