New bill would allow thatched structures

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Traditional Native Hawaiian architecture could make a comeback on O'ahu after decades of construction conformance to Western styles and modern building safety requirements.

A new bill headed toward consideration by the City Council would create a planning code section specifically for indigenous construction styles and materials.

"I was stunned to discover that traditional Native Hawaiian hale — thatched-roof structures — are illegal on O'ahu," said Councilman Mike Gabbard, who introduced the bill yesterday.

He said the measure is meant to provide for structures used primarily as meeting places or for carving, canoe building, weaving, net-making, storytelling and other traditional activities. The bill includes rock walls, wooden timbers, and grasses and leaves used for thatch.

"There are many individuals and groups interested in reviving and strengthening Native Hawaiian cultural practices and tradition, including architecture, and this bill will go far to achieve that goal," Gabbard said.

City planning director Eric Crispin said that the idea is a good one but that the bill will require some scrutiny to ensure it doesn't unintentionally conflict with various building regulations. Building hale for residential use would be more problematic, he said.

"We're fully in support of perpetuating Native Hawaiian structures, crafts and culture," Crispin said.

Hale can sometimes be legally built if variances, or exemptions, to building codes are granted, but that can be a difficult process and is not always allowed, he said.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.