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Committee defers cultural‑site protections and supports Mauna Lahila restoration plan
Summary
DPR asked the committee to defer a bill establishing an Important Cultural Resource Area program so the department can convene a working group to resolve implementation gaps; the committee also supported a resolution urging restoration of Mauna Lahila Cultural Garden with additional cultural and archaeological review.
The committee held two related cultural-site items March 31: Bill 31, which would create an Important Cultural Resource Area program for city parks, and Resolution 26-65 urging restoration and activation of the Mauna Lahila Cultural Garden in Makaha.
Deputy Director Kehaopu'u said DPR supports the intent of Bill 31 but identified implementation concerns: the bill lacks criteria for determining whether a group or individual has adequate skill to be a steward, offers no process for resolving competing steward claims, and expects DPR to manage a program without cultural resource specialists on staff. Kehaopu'u recommended the committee defer the bill and let DPR convene a working group with council representatives, the Department of Cultural Affairs/Oahu historic-preservation entities, and other stakeholders to draft clarifying, implementable language. The chair agreed and postponed Bill 31 for future discussion.
On Resolution 26-65, DPR supported the intent to restore Mauna Lahila but recommended a coordinated path forward that includes updating cultural-impact assessments, reviewing archaeological site-preservation plans created in 2007, and formalizing community partnerships. Chair Tupula and council members emphasized neighborhood stewardship and potential near-term security and maintenance steps while the longer master-planning work proceeds.
Ending: Bill 31 was postponed to allow DPR to form a working group and return with clarifying amendments; Resolution 26-65 was reported out for adoption with DPR’s recommendation to pursue a staged, collaborative restoration process.
