Hawaii Streamlines Rebuilding Approvals in Lahaina Post-Fire, Balancing Progress with Preservation of Historic Sites

The State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has taken important steps to speed up approvals while preserving important historical and archaeological sites in an effort to expedite the reconstruction process in fire-ravaged Lahaina. Locals are eager to rebuild their lives and businesses after a devastating fire devastated Lahaina, severely damaging the area’s historic neighborhoods.

A suggested system of sensitivity maps, which would assist landowners in locating locations where human remains (iwi) and other historical or archaeological artifacts are likely to be discovered, is essential to the new strategy. According to Jessica Puff, SHPD Administrator, on the Governor’s Office website, Not much of the constructed environment remains. The primary focus of our discussion is how to expedite projects while conducting due diligence to monitor for any archaeology or, more crucially, iwi (human remains) that might be discovered during construction. By using these maps, the division would be able to anticipate possible interactions with sensitive locations and expedite the approval process.

In order to create a “filtering mechanism,” which would identify projects with a low chance of coming across iwi or other important artifacts, SHPD is working with Maui County and other state agencies. These projects would not need to be reviewed by SHPD, which should significantly lower the number of projects that are examined by the division and allow it to concentrate exclusively on those that are more sensitive.

Due to the county flagging them for other reasons or the discovery of iwi on nearby properties, certain permits have currently been delayed. However, SHPD has been able to finish some reviews in a matter of days or even as little as two weeks. As stated on the Office of the Governor website, Puff highlighted the efforts to expedite the process. We are finishing some reviews in a span of one to two weeks, and we are corresponding with applicants directly when necessary to assist them in navigating the process and figuring out how to send us their completed projects.

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