Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 9, 1 September 1988 — Workshops Focus on Historic Preservation Law [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Workshops Focus on Historic Preservation Law

Hawaii's historic resources are fragile and their protection and management present a real ehallenge to all who are concerned about preserving these legacies of our past. What practical steps ean we take to preserve the best of Hawaii's past as a living part of our present? This is the challenge of "A Future For Our Past," a series of public workshops on historic preservation being held Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 in Kona, Lihue and Wailuku, respectively.

Sponsored by Historic Hawai'i, these day-long forums will feature knowledgeable speakers in the practical aspects of historic preservation. Although existing law ean provide limited protection, community education, involvement and support are the key to a successful historic preservation program. Available at the workshops will be a new publication, "Kanawai Mau Mo'olelo: Laws of Historic Preservation in Hawai'i," whieh is a concise resource on major federal, state and county laws and

regulations affecting historic preservation in Hawai'i. The book was written by attorney Lani Maa, through a generous grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. In order to promote the publication and disseminate it throughout the state, Maa is participa-

t ting in the workshops, speaking on historic preservation law. She notes, "In order to take full advantage of the protection that historic preservation laws provide for our historic and cultural resources, we need first to become familiar with these laws and how they are implemented." The book provides concise general summaries of the historic preservation laws most commonly consulted as well as the agencies responsible for implementing them. The process by whieh these laws are implemented and enforced is also explained in this book.

Maa says, "I hope this handbook will enhanee community awareness and encourage pub!:c use of the opportunities these laws provide. As a result, current laws may be used more effectively and new, more creative laws may be initiated." Historic preservation law is a mechanism established to accomplish two goals: to identify and designate areas, properties or buildings that are significant to the history of culture of the eommunity; and to provide incentives for maintaining or improving historically significant properties and deterrents for altering the exterior of the property.

The forums are sponsored by Historic Hawaii Foundation with co-sponsors Lyman House Museum, University of Hawai'i Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service, Kona Historical Society, Kaua'i Historical Society, Maui Historical Society, Maui County Planning Department, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. To register eall: in Hilo 935-5021, in Wailuku 2443326, in Kona 323-3222, in Lihue 826- 1 778. F or further information contact Historic Hawai'i 5379564. Registration fee is $20 per person, whieh includes luneheon and refreshments.

Thalia Lani Maa, Esq.

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