STAND. COM. REP. NO.3415

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: S.R. NO. 38

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.R. No. 38, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PROGRAM AND FINANCIAL AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the state Auditor to conduct a program and financial audit of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division.

The Historic Preservation Division is responsible for promoting the use and conservation of historic and cultural properties in Hawaii. The Division is also charged with maintaining a historic property inventory, nominating eligible properties to the National Register, preparing statewide historic preservation plans, administering federal assistance to preservation projects, and reviewing the effects of all federal undertakings on historic properties in Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that concerns have been raised about the management and operations of the Historic Preservation Division, including:

(1) Lengthy delays in processing county, state, and federal project applications and permits;

(2) Recurrent backlogs in reviewing compliance reports;

(3) Difficulty in contacting staff for information or determinations;

(4) Inconsistent and inequitable decisions made by the Division;

(5) An absence of effective long- or short-term program planning; and

(6) A lack of accountability in securing and expending federal and state funds.

Additionally, the Historic Preservation Division regulates, and is authorized to collect fees for certain archaeological work in Hawaii. Neither fees, nor the rules needed to administer such fees have yet to be formally adopted or collected.

Considering the problems faced by the Historic Preservation Division, your Committee finds that a program and financial audit of the Division is not only warranted, but necessary to insure the proper treatment of Hawaii's historic and cultural resources for the enrichment of Hawaii's people and visitors to our State.

Finally, your Committee requests that the subject matter committee Chair or Chairs hold an informational briefing after the audit is submitted to the Legislature. Your Committee is concerned that studies and audits are often reported but follow-up discussion is lacking on the audit's issues, findings, and recommendations. Your Committee finds that issues related to this Resolution can be fully discussed and understood if subject matter Chairs hold informational briefings.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 38, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair