Bill > SB1174

This bill addresses historic preservation efforts in Hawaii, specifically focusing on Lahaina's rebuilding process after a significant event (likely referring to the 2023 wildfires). The bill creates a new temporary full-time equivalent (FTE) archaeologist position within the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The position will be funded for five years, with appropriations to be made for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The legislature recognizes that the department currently lacks an internal historic archaeologist to implement and manage historic preservation mandates and projects. By creating this position, the bill aims to strengthen the department's capacity to evaluate and enforce state and federal historic preservation laws, with a particular emphasis on supporting the reconstruction efforts in Lahaina. The new archaeologist will be responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing historic preservation projects during the five-year period. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the funding will be drawn from the state's general revenues.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1174&year=2026