COMMUNITY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPING STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION FIVE-YEAR PLAN

Public meetings start May 2nd

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is holding community meetings statewide in May, starting next week, to provide opportunity for public input on the development of the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan.

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawai‘i’s citizens and visitors. Community input is essential to help set priorities for the State Historic Preservation Plan and will guide actions over the next five years.”

The meetings will begin with a presentation on historic preservation issues in present-day Hawai‘i. Attendees will be invited to share their own perceptions, including feedback on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for historic preservation.
       
Specifically, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to discussion on a variety of topics, including:  
        Priorities for historic preservation in Hawai‘i and individual communities
        Key participants
        Existing community resources
        Identifying what other resources are needed

The development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan is one of the responsibilities of SHPD, under grant funding it receives from the National Park Service (NPS).

 “When meetings in every county are completed, we will have a clearer perspective of historic preservation issues and concerns throughout the state,” said Faith Sereno Rex, president of SMS Consulting, which is the lead contractor responsible for completing the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan. “We also hope to re-energize the community to be more active in historic preservation activities. When people are involved in the planning process they are more likely to stay active through implementation.“

The meeting schedule follows:

Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School 4431 Nuhou St., Lihu‘e Wednesday, May 2, 2012 5 to 8 p.m. Kahului, Maui Maui High School 660 South Lono Ave., Kahului Tuesday, May 8 5 to 8 p.m. Hilo, Hawai‘i Waiakea High School 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo Tuesday, May 15, 2012 5 to 8 p.m. Kona, Hawai‘i Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria 74-5062 ‘Onipa‘a St. Kailua-Kona Thursday, May 17, 2012 5 to 8 p.m. O‘ahu Farrington High School 1564 N. King St., Honolulu Tuesday, May 22, 2012 5 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Community members may also share their thoughts through the following options:         Website: www.hawaiihistoricpreservation.com         E-mail: historicpreservation@smshawaii.com         Mail: SMS, 1042 Fort Street Mall, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96813Phone: Toll free at 1-877-535-5767 (ask for Renee)

For more information, visit www.hawaiihistoricpreservation.com

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