STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1193

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1104

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1104, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to protect and preserve the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument in Kohala for future generations to experience and enjoy by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to consult with the Kahuna Nui of the Mookini Heiau prior to engaging in any improvements or alterations to the monument.

 

     Specifically, this measure amends section 6E-38.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to codify language in the land deed that directs the State to consult with the Kahuna Nui of the Mookini Heiau on all matters that pertain to the three historic sites within the Mookini Complex area.

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, and the Mookini Luakini, Inc.

 

     The lands of the Mookini Complex are approximately 2.915 acres and were donated to the State by the Kohala Corporation in 1978.  Included in the deed is a provision that states, prior to making any alterations or improvements within the Mookini Complex lands, the State "shall consult with the Kahuna Nui of the Mookini Heiau. . ."  Furthermore, the Kahuna Nui of the Mookini Heiau indicated to your Committee that there have been attempts to make the Mookini Complex area a paid tourist destination, and the Kahuna Nui is concerned that routine tour groups will desecrate the unspoiled and culturally sacred lands of the Heiau and its surrounding areas.

 

     Thus, your Committee finds that codifying the language in the land deed that directs the State to consult with the Kahuna Nui of the Mookini Heiau on all matters pertaining to the Mookini Complex area will fulfill the intent of this measure, which is to protect and preserve the Mookini Complex in Kohala for future generations to experience and enjoy.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting the proper diacritical marks for Mookini.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1104, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1104, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair