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Bill

Bill

HB 195

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Perruso and 2 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 195 establishes historic preservation protections and mechanisms, with funding and regulatory implications requiring multi-committee review through 2026.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 195

Legislative bill overview

HB 195 is a Hawaiian historic preservation bill introduced by Representatives Kanani Souza, Mahina Poepoe, and Amy Perruso. The bill was prefiled in January 2025, passed first reading, and has been referred to the Water and Land (WAL), Transportation (TRN), and Finance (FIN) committees before being carried over to the 2026 legislative session for further consideration.

Why is this important

Historic preservation legislation in Hawaii directly impacts property rights, cultural heritage protection, and tourism-dependent communities. The bill's referral to multiple committees—particularly Finance—suggests it likely involves funding mechanisms, tax incentives, or regulatory frameworks that could affect both private landowners and public resources across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner impacts: Historic designation restrictions may limit development options and reduce property values for private landowners, creating tension between preservation and individual property rights
  • Funding and implementation costs: Finance committee involvement suggests budget allocation debates over who bears the cost of preservation—taxpayers, property owners, or a shared burden
  • Scope and jurisdiction: Questions about which sites qualify for protection, enforcement mechanisms, and potential conflicts with existing land use plans or economic development priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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