The state agency charged with protecting Hawaiçi’s historic and archaeological sites is in danger of losing federal funding representing half its budget, an alarming predicament that could cripple a division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources that for years has struggled to fulfill its mission.

The State Historic Preservation Division on Monday was put on “high-risk" status by the National Park Service, which manages federal Historic Preservation Fund grants that lately have made up about half of SHPD’s annual budget.
The warning notice gives SHPD two years to meet certain turnaround goals, which if not met, could lead to the grant money being cut off.
The National Park Service's criticism of the state division concerned problems with it adequately performing its duties.