THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	78
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of land and natural resources' state historic preservation division serves to protect and preserve historic properties significant to Hawaii's history through several program areas.  The legislature further finds that under section 23-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the auditor may examine and inspect all accounts, books, records, files, papers, and documents and all financial affairs of every department, office, agency, and political subdivision.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the auditor to conduct a performance audit of all the programs within the state historic preservation division of the department of land and natural resources.

     SECTION 2.  The auditor shall conduct a performance audit of all the programs within the state historic preservation division of the department of land and natural resources.  The audit shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Whether the state historic preservation division has adequate staffing and resources to conduct timely project reviews;

     (2)  An evaluation of whether the review and response to submittals is completed within the timeframes established by rule;

     (3)  Current project review practices, including efforts to identify categorical exemptions; historic properties and districts that should have special protections or treatment; identification of types of sites that do not require permit review; filing systems; and efforts to streamline processes such as the discovery process for burial sites;

     (4)  Record retention methodologies;

     (5)  Standardization of monitoring protocols, including the establishment of cultural impact assessment guidance;

     (6)  The actions, initiatives, and performance of the state historic preservation division to address the existing project review backlog; and

     (7)  Any recommended improvements, including proposed legislation, to update, redefine or realign the state historic preservation division's mission and organization based on balancing cultural and historic preservation with the State's evolving land development needs.

     SECTION 3.  The auditor shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Auditor; Performance Audit; Department of Land and Natural Resources; State Historic Preservation Division

 

Description:

Requires the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division.

 

 

 

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