Report urges changes to cut review delays at State Historic Preservation Division

Updating the definition of “historic property” would speed up permitting for homebuilding while protecting Hawaii’s history

News release from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Feb. 13, 2025

HONOLULU, Feb. 13, 2025 — The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii released a policy brief today analyzing state data on historic preservation reviews, finding that these reviews contribute to delays in approving new housing. 

Over the past four years, the State Historic Preservation Division has taken an average of 94 days to issue determinations for projects. Furthermore, the division has issued determinations for less than half of the almost 6,000 applications it received. 

Titled “Preserving the past or preventing progress?” and written by Grassroot policy researcher Jonathan Helton, the brief notes that more than 90% of the projects were determined to have no effect on historic resources, and that a growing number of homes and businesses could be subject to historic review as Hawaii’s buildings age.

State law currently defines “historic property” as: “Any building, structure, object, district, area, or site, including heiau and underwater site, which is over fifty years old,” with limited exemptions for single-family homes and townhomes. 

The table below, featured in the report, shows the number of residential structures, by construction date, indicating the need for lawmakers to revisit that definition in order to head off further delays.

The brief concludes by highlighting legislation in the 2025 Legislature that could streamline this system, such as: 

>> HB533, which would change the definition of “historic property.” 

>> HB830, which would require SHPD to contract with private third-parties for review of certain projects. 

>> HB738, which would expedite historic reviews for transit-oriented development areas.

Grassroot President and CEO Keli’i Akina said: “Our lawmakers should take this new information to heart as they look for ways to make housing more abundant and affordable for our friends and family. This new information adds to what we already know: Delays and cumbersome regulations are a major cause of Hawaii’s housing shortage.”

To read or download a copy of the report, go here or click on the button below.