HAWAII: The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced it will hold a series of community meetings across the state starting on May 2nd in order to gather public input on the development of the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan. The meetings stop in Hilo on May 15 and Kona on May 17.

From the DLNR media release:

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawai‘i’s citizens and visitors. Community input is essential to help set priorities for the State Historic Preservation Plan and will guide actions over the next five years.”

The meetings will begin with a presentation on historic preservation issues in present-day Hawai‘i. Attendees will be invited to share their own perceptions, including feedback on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for historic preservation.

Specifically, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to discussion on a variety of topics, including:

• Priorities for historic preservation in Hawai‘i and individual communities
• Key participants
• Existing community resources
• Identifying what other resources are needed

The development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan is one of the responsibilities of SHPD, under grant funding it receives from the National Park Service (NPS).

“When meetings in every county are completed, we will have a clearer perspective of historic preservation issues and concerns throughout the state,” said Faith Sereno Rex, president of SMS Consulting, which is the lead contractor responsible for completing the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan. “We also hope to re-energize the community to be more active in historic preservation activities. When people are involved in the planning process they are more likely to stay active through implementation.”

The meeting schedule:

Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
4431 Nuhou St., Lihu‘e
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
5 to 8 p.m.

Kahului, Maui
Maui High School
660 South Lono Ave., Kahului
Tuesday, May 8
5 to 8 p.m.

Hilo, Hawai‘i
Waiakea High School
155 W. Kawili St., Hilo
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
5 to 8 p.m.

Kona, Hawai‘i
Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria
74-5062 ‘Onipa‘a St. Kailua-Kona
Thursday, May 17, 2012
5 to 8 p.m.

O‘ahu – Farrington High School
1564 N. King St., Honolulu
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
5 to 8 p.m.

Also, community members may also share their thoughts through the following options:

Website: www.hawaiihistoricpreservation.com
E-mail: historicpreservation@smshawaii.com
Mail: SMS, 1042 Fort Street Mall, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96813Phone: Toll free at 1-877-535-5767 (ask for Renee)