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Committee delays Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission review; staff and funding gaps cited
Summary
The Zoning Committee postponed action on whether to retain, amend or repeal the ordinance establishing the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission and asked staff to prepare a draft report for its April 3, 2025 meeting. Commissioners and DPP requested dedicated staff and clarified next steps as a certified local government.
The Zoning Committee on Thursday reviewed a departmental report from the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission and postponed formal action until the committee’s next meeting on April 3, 2025 so members could consider a draft report from the chair.
The commission, which was initially established by ordinance in 1993 and reestablished with appointments in 2022, told the committee it recommends retaining ROH chapter 33, article 10 without change. Michael Catt, acting historic planner at the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and staff to the commission, presented the commission’s report and described early accomplishments, transparency steps and next priorities, including a request for dedicated staffing and resources.
Why it matters: The commission’s work — identifying and protecting historic properties, maintaining an inventory and implementing rulemaking — affects cultural resources across Oʻahu. Retaining a functioning county preservation program enables the city to participate in the National Park Service’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program and to access matching federal grants for surveys and planning.
What the commission reported: - The commission helped the city qualify as a Certified Local Government, which makes Oʻahu eligible for CLG matching grants to support historic‑preservation projects. - Commissioners identified the need for dedicated, funded staff positions (administrator, preservation architect and other specialists). The commission currently operates with volunteer commissioners and DPP staff assigned on a part‑time/special assignment basis. - The commission has started rulemaking and is building an Oʻahu Historic Property inventory; staff described challenges integrating local records with the State Historic Preservation Division’s (SHPD) HiCRIS database and the need for improved data interoperability.
Public testimony included Commissioner Mahalani Seifer, who reviewed the commission’s early activities and urged the committee to support staffing and other needed resources. Angela Melody Young also testified in support and urged coordination between county and state offices to make review and outreach more efficient.
The chair recommended postponing action so the committee could consider a draft report and recommendations and to allow time for DPP and commission staff to provide additional information to members. The committee agreed and set the matter for the April 3, 2025 zoning committee meeting.
