A National Heritage Area is designated by Congress where natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography.

These patterns make National Heritage Areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in them. Continued use of National Heritage Areas by people whose traditions helped shape the landscapes enhances their significance. There are currently forty designated National Heritage Areas. For more information, visit the National Park Service website.

The story of the proposed Hawai‘i Capital National Heritage Area

is a story unique in the American experience. It is a story best told through an extraordinary collection of ancient, cultural and historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods and living traditions found throughout the study area. These sites collectively provide an outstanding opportunity to tell the story of Honolulu, and indeed all of Hawai‘i, from settlement by early Native Hawaiians, to the uniting of the islands by King Kamehameha I, and the evolution of the Hawaiian monarchy, followed by European contact, then interaction with the United States, and the expansion of U.S. power into the Pacific and Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is further the story of the unique intermingling of numerous ethnic groups and cultures that have come to make up the population of the Hawaiian Islands today.

The cultural legacy of this place has been a source of inspiration for civic, business and governance activities for hundreds of years, evidenced today in an abundance of community groups, arts and cultural institutions, businesses, and government agencies that continue to operate within and support the legacy of the area. Over the years, these organizations have strived to preserve and promote this heritage— a story that is bigger than any one of them. In 2003, a broad partnership of these organizations and community members came together as the Hawai‘i Capital Cultural Coalition to collectively reserve, nurture and celebrate this legacy.

Quotes

"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 Daniel Inouye            

Royal Order of Kamehameha I begins celebration with Senator Inouye, Hawai'i Capital Cultural Coalition, Royal Hawaiian Band and guests. King Kamehameha I statue in front of Ali`iolani Hale/Hawai'i State Judiciary Center in the Hawai'i Capital National Heritage Area

"It is a high honor, as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, to join the entire Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation to introduce the legislation that would establish the Hawai‘i Capital National Heritage Area (HCNHA). The National Park System’s National Historic Areas program plays a dynamic role in honoring the natural character, history, and culture of our nation in 40 different locations across the country with the leadership by local communities and citizens in the preservation and planning process.

The establishment of the Hawai‘i Capital National Heritage Area in the Honolulu/Kapalama Ahuapua’a—stretching mauka to makai from Pali Lookout to Honolulu Harbor and from Palama to Makiki in the Ewa to Diamond Head direction—would help to fulfill the timeless mission of this invaluable national program.

The historic panorama of this ahupua‘a includes the birthplace and proving ground for people, movements, and ideas that have enriched the diversity of our state and nation, all of it found in its landmarks, buildings, neighborhoods, natural features, and people. I am pleased to play my part in establishing the HCNHA for all of us to enjoy and to cherish for generations to come."

-Congressman Neil Abercrombie            

"Official designation by the National Park Service would allow Hawai‘i to more effectively preserve and promote this rich heritage, perpetuate native Hawai‘ian culture, develop educational and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, generate economic growth for the state, and benefit the visitor industry, small businesses and many arts and cultural organizations in this area. I will continue to follow the legislation with great interest."

-Governor, Linda Lingle            

"We must continue to learn from the wisdom of our Polynesian ancestors whose sophisticated and successful management system based on the Ahupua‘a land division supported a population almost as large as it is today.

I support and congratulate Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and the Hawai‘i Capital Cultural Coalition in their efforts to have the Ahupua‘a of Honolulu designated as the Hawai‘i Capital National Heritage Area."

-Honolulu Mayor, Mufi Hannemann            

"In an effort to strengthen and share Hawai‘i’s cultural identities and values, our coalition’s goal is to help create a platform in which both the stories of our indigenous Hawaiian ancestors and multi–cultural society may be honored. We believe the critical components of a healthy, thriving and creative society are to understand, appreciate and sustain culture, heritage, the arts and nature.

We are deeply grateful to Senator Daniel Inouye for his leadership on this bill and trust that Congress will recognize its great value to us and our nation."

-Mona Abadir, president of the HCCC board of directors            

Individuals gathered to celebrate the release study for Hawai‘i Capital National Heritage Area at Washington Place, December 12, 2008.