Architecture
The Architecture Branch of the State Historic Preservation Division includes a Branch Chief and staff members with expertise in the areas of architecture, architectural history, and history. The Architecture Branch participates in a variety of programs including Review and Compliance, Survey & Inventory, Certified Local Government, and Tax Credit programs.
Review & Compliance
The branch reviews federal, state and local projects impacting the built environment under Hawaii Revised Chapter (HRS) 6E and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Staff reviews projects for impacts to Hawai‘i’s historic places. In the event a project will affect a significant historic property, certain mitigative actions are necessary to reduce the potential impacts.
To access surveys, reports, and other documentation, please make a request through the library request form.
For more information on the HRS 6E review process, visit this link: Forms
For more information on the 106 review process, visit this link: ACHP
Survey & Inventory
Properties are surveyed through the compliance process, nomination process, or for planning purposes. The Architecture Branch manages the State Wide Architectural Survey and assists and provides guidelines for all other architectural survey work. Staff works with the SHPD GIS Specialist and Librarian to ensure that survey data is included in the State Inventory of Historic Places and available to the public through the SHPD library.
To access surveys, reports, and other documentation, please make a request through the library request form.
Hawaii & National Registers of Historic Places
The State and National Registers of Historic Places are the official lists of historic places worthy of preservation. Listing on the National and Hawaii Registers provides recognition of a property’s historical, architectural, engineering, cultural or archaeological significance. Buildings, sites, objects, structures and districts are eligible for the Hawaii Register if it is at least 50 years old, retains historic integrity, and meets established criteria. A property is eligible for the National Register if it retains integrity and meets established criteria.
The Architecture Branch is responsible assistance with the preparation of nominations and technical review of nominations. Please see the Register Program page for more information: Register Program, Review Board
Certified Local Government
The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is a partnership between local, state and federal entities designed to promote preservation at the local level. By joining the program, local communities gain technical assistance and federal funds in exchange for their commitment to preservation. Requirements include the formation of a qualified historic preservation commission; the establishment of a local preservation ordinance; the creation and maintenance of a system of survey and inventory; and the facilitation of public participation in local preservation efforts, including the National Registers listing process.
Together these programs help the community continually identify their historic resources, educate the public about those resources, and monitor and comment on changes to them.
Hawaiʻi County Planning Department
Kauaʻi County Planning Department
Maui County Long Range Planning Department
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program provides a 20% income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In total about 1000 projects are approved every year leveraging nearly $4 billion in private investment in private investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings across the country and approximately 63,000 jobs in 2013. SHPD serves as the first point of contact for this program.
Please see the National Park Service website regarding program requirements, directions, and forms.
To contact the SHPD Architecture Branch, see Contacts.