A contributing building, site, structure, or object adds to the historical associations, historic architectural qualities, or archeological values present during the period of national significance, relates to the documented significance of the property, and possesses a high degree of historical integrity.

A noncontributing building, site, structure, or object was not present during the period of significance, or it does not relate to the documented national significance of the property. Due to alterations, disturbances, additions, or other changes, it no longer possesses a high degree of historical integrity. If resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the state or local significance are included in the NHL nomination, they should be counted as non-contributing resources for the purpose of the NHL nomination.

Please note: the majority of resources within an NHL should be contributing.

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photograph by Conor Dupre-Neary via Flickr Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement, HI Kalaupapa was founded in 1866 as a colony for the isolation of Hawaiians afflicted with Hansen's Disease (leprosy). This disease was a major health problem for the islands between 1866 and the 1940s. During that time wooden residences, churches, and auxiliary buildings were constructed to accommodate the increasing numbers of sufferers. Various religious groups provided aid, including most notably the Belgian priest Father Joseph Damien, who eventually succumbed to the disease himself. The NHL nomination includes all buildings, structures, objects and the site associated with the story of Father Damien and the treatment of leprosy.