Preservation panel
now aware of
Hawaiians

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

The president's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation knew little about native Hawaiians when members arrived here this week.

But now they realize how diverse the population is and how complicated the issues.

That, according to Hawaii's first and only council member, is good for native Hawaiians and their sacred sites.

"Now when it comes across their desks, they will be sensitized," said Ray Soon, who also is director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Soon is a Hawaiian descendant and represents on the council all of the nation's indigenous groups.

The council's 21 presidential appointees must review all federal projects on sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Cathryn Buford Slater, chairwoman of the Washington-based council, said members came with little awareness of the "diversity of the native Hawaiian culture. That will certainly increase our awareness."

Soon and the Army co-sponsored the council's first trip to Hawaii. Members visited Makua Valley, which is used for military training. It also is the site of Ukanipo Heiau, which is eligible for listing on the register.

The council also visited Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter.