(1) Public records. "Public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used or retained by any state or local agency, regardless of physical form or characteristics.

(2) Writing. Writing means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, and every other means of recording, any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums and other documents.

(3) Advisory council on historic preservation. The advisory council on historic preservation is the council established pursuant to RCW 27.34.250 through 27.34.280, and is hereinafter referred to as the "council."

(4) Department of archaeology and historic preservation. The department of archaeology and historic preservation is that agency established pursuant to RCW 27.34.210, and is hereinafter referred to as the "department." The department provides staff for the council.

(5) State historic preservation officer. The state historic preservation officer is that person appointed pursuant to RCW 27.34.210 to implement the purposes of that chapter, and hereinafter referred to as "SHPO."

(6) State register. These are buildings, sites, structures, objects or districts which are listed on the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places, and is hereinafter referred to as the "state register."