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Posted: Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 5:57 AM HST

Feds talk alternatives if HI agency decertified

By Associated Press

Federal officials have begun considering what they'll do if the Hawaii state agency that protects historical and cultural sites loses its certification. The National Park Service sent a letter to Hawaii's State Historic Preservation Division saying it's concerned the state agency hasn't hired more staff or developed an online database of historic and cultural sites. The division would lose roughly one-third of its $1.9 million budget if it loses its certification. National Park Service Associate Director Stephanie Toothman says in the April letter that 10 essential jobs haven't been filled. The state agency says it has had turnover problems for years and is working to hire more staff. Its administrator says it should be in compliance by the time federal officials review it in February.