Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there multiple steps in the Historic Preservation process?

A:This is not necessarily the case. If it can determined that no historic sites exist on the property and a very low potential for sites there is no need for further work.

Q: How is this determined, what are the steps in the process, and what do they mean?

A:The most preliminary step is called an Assessment. Here an archaeologist conducts a walk-through, or reconnaissance of a property, reports on the presence or absence of archaeological sites and comments on archaeological potentials.

If no sites are present and the potentials for discovery are very low, a brief Archaeological Assessment Report can be prepared and submitted to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division (DLNRHPD) for approval. Under these conditions, the process would end here.

An Inventory Level Survey is necessary if sites are present on the property or if site potentials are high. The Inventory Level Survey involves a controlled survey and mapping of sites on the property, selected subsurface testing and a final report that details the result of the fieldwork, presents archival information, assigns significance to the sites and makes recommendations for further work if necessary. An Inventory Survey Final Report is necessary and approval of this document by DLNRHPD is required.

Data Recovery is another step that is sometimes necessary and is aimed at selected sites with high research potential. A Data Recovery Final Report is necessary and approval of this document by DLNRHPD is required. When data recovery is required, a Data Recovery Plan is required beforehand and is subject to approval by DLNRHPD.

Monitoring is often required in project areas with high potentials or where human burials may be present. A Monitoring Plan must be prepared in advance and is subject to approval of DLNRHPD.

There are two types of monitoring: On-Call and On-Site. On-call means that if historic properties are encountered work in the area must stop and a qualified archaeologist be contacted immediately. On-site Monitoring means a qualified archaeologist must be on hand during all below grade activities. A Monitoring Final Report must be prepared and submitted to DLNR for approval.

Burial Treatment Plans must be prepared whenever any human burial determined to be over 50 years old are discovered. These plans must be approved by DLNR in conjunction with the different Island Burial Councils.

Preservation Plans are necessary for sites designated for preservation. These are sites determined to hold unique significance.

Q: How is site significance determined?

A:In Hawaii, archaeological and cultural sites are ranked in significance according to Five criteria:

1. Site is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history.

2. Site is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past.

3. Site embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; or is the work of a master; or possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity.

4. Site has yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history

5. Site has Cultural Significance (heiau, shrine, burial, etc.).

Q: Are all archaeologists the same?

A:While all archaeologists must follow the same rules, most archaeological firms differ from each other in significant ways including years of service in this location, price, philosophy, staffing, etc..

Q: What is the best way to choose my archaeologist?

A:Experience, references, professionalism, dependability, availability, and communication skills are all key items. Perhaps most of all, choosing someone who you feel comfortable working with is essential for a good archaeologist is one who will dialogue and be responsive to the client and his needs. Someone who is good at this will also be good with the many others one must deal with as the client's representative throughout the process, and the one who is likely will be most successful. A meeting or conversation with the firm's owner and Principal Investigator is recommended and will give you a feel for making the proper selection.