THE PROGRAM

THE PROGRAM

The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) was established by the passage of the CNMI Historic Preservation Act of 1982 (Public Law 3-39).
The intent of Public Law 3-39 is to (1). Ensure the identification and protection of significant archaeological, historic, and cultural resources in the Commonwealth; (2). Educate the public concerning matters relating to local history, archaeology, culture and historic preservation; and (3). Develop historic and cultural properties to allow them to contribute to the cultural, social, and economic growth of our citizens.
The CNMI contains a wealth of historic and cultural properties whose preservation, study and interpretation is vital to the development of self-understanding and self-pride on the part of our people, and to the interest of the international science in understanding the history and cultures of the people and environment of the Pacific Islands.
These historic and cultural properties are subject to damage and destruction by uncontrolled land-use development and once destroyed, the historical and/or archaeological value they possess will be gone forever. For this reason, it is the duty of the Historic Preservation Office to ensure the protection, preservation and regulation of historic and cultural sites pursuant to Public Law 3-39 P.L. 3-33, as amended by P.L. 10-71 to address violation matters.
To carry out these duties, the Historic Preservation Office is staffed with a Historic Preservation Officer, professionals in the field of History and Archaeology, Historic Preservation Coordinators, Specialists, and Technicians. In addition, HPO is equipped with a federal grants manager, a community development specialist, and administrative assistants. The Office is under the auspices of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

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