Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 11, 1 November 2001 — Public input on historic sites required by federal preservation law, Section 106 [ARTICLE]

Public input on historic sites required by federal preservation law, Section 106

Federally funded projects that could adversely impact cultural or historieal properties must accept public comment prior to implementation, according to Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act. Known as "Section 106 review," this little-known program encourages community comment, by individuals or organizations, and holds federal agencies publicly accountable for their decisions. In Hawai'i, the myriad of federally funded projects requiring Section 106 review range from NASA activity at the summit of Mauna Kea to the widening of Kamehameha Hwy. The federal act mandates that state governors designate a "state historic preservation officer" (SHPO) to interface with federal agencies on matters concerning historic sites. In Hawai'i, the chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources fills this post, with the State Historic Preservation Office generally taking the lead on reviews. Along with the SHPO, the act names

Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, loeal governments and applicants for federal assistance, permits licenses and other approvals as "consulting parties." As such. the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is among entities apprised of projects where sites listed on the Nalional Register for Historic Places - or qualify for such designation - are potentially affected. Through consu!tation, the federal agency must work with the SHPO and other parties to explore alternatives to mitigate harm to those properties. Section 106 review is not designed to necessarily hall projects, but to allow for full consideration of preservation issues through public comment in the project's planning stage. In order to inform the eommunity on potentia!ly impacted cultural and historical sites, OHA will regularly publish information on projects that require Section 106 review. Individuals or organizations with expertise on those cultural or historical sites are encouraged to provide comment, either directly to the

federal agency, in writing, or through OHA's Hawaiian Rights Division by calling 594-1945. Current Section 106 review projects: • Ala Moana Beautification and Sidewalk Improvement Project, Waikīkl, O'ahu. For information, write to the Department of the Army, HQ, USAG-HI, directorate of public works, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857-5000. • Ford lsland Master Development Plan, Pearl Harbor, O'ahu. For information, write to the Department of the Navy, COMNAVREG-HI, 517 Russell Ave., Ste. #110, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-4884. • Kaumuali'i Highway, Guardrail and Shoulder Improvements, Hanapēpē to Mānā, Kaua'i. Contact Jim Turturici or Steve Morikawa, Department of Transportation, at 808-274-31 18. Co< \pUed by OHA Hawaiian Rights Dii ision and Ka Wai Ola staff. ■