Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB830 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 306).

This bill (HB 830, Act 306) authorizes the State Historic Preservation Division to contract with third-party consultants to review projects affecting historic properties, burial sites, or aviation artifacts. It directly affects state agencies, developers, and project applicants who must undergo historic preservation reviews before proceeding with projects. The key mechanism amends Hawaii law to allow this delegation of review work, aiming to reduce the division’s backlog (reported as 6-12 months) that delays housing and infrastructure projects. The policy change streamlines the review process without altering preservation standards or requirements.