Join us at a
COALITION MEETING
to discuss the NHA initiative.
October 5, 11:30 a.m.
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel Street
October 6, 3:00 p.m.
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
October 8, 5:30 p.m.
Academy Art Center
1111 Victoria Street
October 13, 5:30 p.m.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
2913 Pali Highway
|
|
|
ABOUT NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS
|
|
Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.National Heritage Areas allow
residents, government agencies, non-profit groups and
private partners to collaboratively plan and implement
programs and projects that preserve and
celebrate America's unique historic places and living cultures. Once National
Heritage Area status is achieved from the U.S. Congress, federal funds and technical become available to support preservation, education,
promotion, management and other culture and
heritage activities.
|
|
|
 |
Board President's Message
|
Aloha,
Our times require a working vision and an innovative collaborative approach to achieve our common goals. The Hawai'i Capital National Heritage Area (HCNHA) initiative is a creative strategy to strengthen and share Hawai'i's cultural identities and values. HCCC's purpose is and has been to bring a cross section of people together in order to help create additional platforms on which you may share, preserve and honor the stories of our indigenous Hawaiian ancestors and multi-cultural society.
HCCC believes establishment of the Hawai'i Capital National Heritage Area will serve as a catalyst for: preservation and enhancement of cultural goals and values; education outreach and access; strengthening of our cultural venues and organizations; virtual and physical infrastructure support; and economic development stimulation.
We are grateful for the commitment and dedication of more than 300 volunteers representing over 60 partner organizations that has brought us this far. Many people at home in Hawai'i are passionate about their special projects to make a difference in their communities. This designation (Congressional Bills S.359 and H.R. 1297) will provide programmatic support for making dreams a reality or aiding projects already in progress.
What you need to know is we have not yet begun the process to create the plan. After HCNHA receives designation, the next step is for the communities to create a mutually-agreed upon plan over the next one to three years that identifies programs, partnerships, and re-granting opportunities for people and organizations to tell their own stories in their own ways.
Education programs, cultural training, interpretive materials and exhibits, support for cultural sites and activities, conservation and preservation, physical improvements, signage and way-finding, and economic development projects are just some of the potential projects the NHA partners may choose to support. There are now 41 National Heritage Areas where folks have customized their plan to fit their own needs. HCCC, a grassroots nonprofit that slowly began building over the last several years, will do the same with your help.
Designation as a National Heritage Area will provide long term access to federal funding and other assistance, and create cross-programmatic partnerships to carry-out this plan. The funds can be matched with your in-kind services or any other funds, other than federal. People in NHAs have seen a return on their efforts and funds at a 10:1 ratio, but the positive ripple effect on people's hearts and lives are immeasurable.
The planning process and participation the NHA is open to all and we call upon you to become engaged or re-engaged in our efforts. Together, we can help preserve all that should be remembered and retold today, in your own words and with your own actions. Working in partnership, we can do our part to generate a future that is bright, peaceful, and just. And as conscientious collaborators, we can develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse stories of Hawai'i's incomparable heritage that defines who we are today.
We each have a unique story to tell our children, our nation and world. Mahalo.
With aloha,
Mona Abadir
HCCC Board President
|
| |
Senator Inouye Introduces Bill to Establish Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area
|
 Photo: Twain Newton
On January 30th, Senator Daniel K. Inouye introduced legislation in the U.S. Congress to designate the Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area in the Honolulu/Kapalama ahupua`a which covers Kaka`ako, Downtown, Nu`uanu, and Kapalama and surrounding areas. The bill, S.359, was co-sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka.
"I have introduced a bill to establish a Hawai'i Capital National Heritage Area to properly recognize it as one of America's defining historic and cultural landscapes. With such a prestigious designation will come a small measure of federal funds to support meaningful preservation and promotional activities. It will be the first site in Hawai'i. I cannot imagine a better proposed area, from 'Iolani Palace, the majestic statue of Kamehameha the Great, to our State Capitol, all rich with Hawai'i's history and heritage," Senator Inouye stated.
The effort to apply for National Heritage Area designation, spearheaded by the Hawai`i Capital Cultural Coalition partners, represents an expansion of the Hawai`i Capital Cultural District, and provides further recognition for Hawai`i's important cultural assets.
"We are incredibly grateful to the many partners who have supported this effort to date and remind others that this is an inclusive process, anyone is welcome to participate." said Mona Abadir, HCCC Board President. "Once National Heritage Area status is granted, the next step is a community-developed plan for projects that celebrate and perpetuate our special heritage. Now is the time to get involved and be a part of determining the plan for the Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area."
Click here for more information about the Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area initiative and how to participate.
|
| |
Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area Suitability/Feasibility Study Available Online
|
The completed Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area Suitability Feasibility Study and a six-page study Executive Summary Brochure are now available for download from the HCCC website: www.hawaiicapitalculture.org.
The study's purpose is to demonstrate that the area meets the criteria for being a National Heritage Area. The study included an inventory of cultural resources, identification of the stories told by the heritage of the area, a review of socio-environmental factors, identification of proposed boundaries, and public consultation. The completed study became the application to Congress for NHA status.
The published Hawai`i Capital National Heritage Area Suitabilitly/Feasibility Study was unveiled at a reception at historic Washington Place, Honolulu, Hawai`i, December 10, 2009.
 Photo: Twain Newton
|
|
|
|
|
