Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Protecting Cultural Heritage Through Design and Compliance
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Archaeology Expertise in the Pacific
At AEPAC, our expertise in archaeology is deeply rooted in our understanding of Hawaiian and Pacific region archaeology. Our firm has a Principal Investigator archaeologist on staff who works hand in hand with our design team. This allows our team to understand realistic project timelines and needs for comprehensive EIS and EA reports in culturally sensitive areas. Our team is well-versed in federal guidelines and NEPA environmental regulations, ensuring that our work adheres to the highest standards of compliance and environmental stewardship.
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Qualified Historic Architects
AEPAC has on staff 36 CFR § 61 SOI Qualified Historic Architect to represent agencies and owners on historic preservation Section 106 and Hawaii HRS 6e issues regarding site planning, building rehabilitation, building additions, or building demolition.
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Leadership in Preservation
Our commitment to historical preservation is further exemplified by Lorraine Minatoishi, who serves as the Chair for the AIA Historic Resources Committee. Lorraine’s leadership underscores our dedication to integrating historical significance with modern development while respecting and honoring cultural heritage. At AEPAC, we seamlessly blend these principles into our projects, delivering thoughtful and innovative solutions that protect and celebrate our past while paving the way for a sustainable future.
Section 106 & HRS 6E Compliance
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Section 106 regulates the management of the historic resources of the federal government. Section 106 of NHPA granted legal status to historic preservation in federal planning, decision-making, and project execution. Section 106 requires all federal agencies to take into account the effects of their actions on historic properties, and provide ACHP with a reasonable opportunity to comment on those actions and the manner in which federal agencies are taking historic properties into account in their decisions.
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AEPAC is experienced in leading agencies through federal reviews and compliance, especially Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). AEPAC meets the requirements of 36 CFR 61 for SOI Qualified Architectural Historian and Historic Architect.
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AEPAC understands historic properties and is able to navigate clients through each step of the process, including serving as the representative for the client during review meetings. The firm works with owners to help mitigate adverse effects and brings owners together with the State Historic Preservation Division and other consulting parties to reach amiable agreements. AEPAC formulates Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Agreement and Understanding to complete complex and long-term projects.
Federal & State Historic Tax Incentives
Supporting Rehabilitation Projects
AEPAC works with owners to process the application for the 20% tax credit from rehabilitation costs. The National Park Service Historic Tax Credit Incentives Program involves phases and includes working with the State Historic Preservation Department, National Parks Service, and IRS. The outcome is a historic project that the owner can be proud of, saving valuable resources and expenses along the way.
20% Federal Tax Credit
A 20% tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic buildings that are income-producing and are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The SHPO and NPS review the rehabilitation plan and finished work to ensure that the project complies with the Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Renovation & Rehabilitation
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Expertise in Adaptive Reuse
AEPAC has expertise in building rehabilitation, renovation, adaptive reuse, sensitive expansion, and historic preservation. Extensive experience in restoration and building reuse projects has made the firm experts in this field.
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Tackling Complex Projects
We take on the most difficult projects and find solutions to challenging restoration efforts. Our specialty in renovation and reuse is built upon deep expertise in historic preservation. We identify important aspects of the existing building and design new features to incorporate modern technologies and current aesthetics to accommodate today’s users.
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Bringing History Forward
Architecture tells stories of who we are and where we have come from, providing a historical and cultural background. We bring these stories to the forefront in rehabilitation and restoration projects.
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Leveraging Tax Incentive Programs
AEPAC also works with the National Park Service Historic Tax Incentives program to make historic projects eligible for tax credits. When undergoing substantial rehabilitation, tax credits of 20% of rehabilitation cost can be ascertained under this program. The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program inspires private sector investment in the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, administered by the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices.