Bill > HCR193

This concurrent resolution requests the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to convene a working group to explore transferring the management of Native Hawaiian burial sites from the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) to OHA under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 6E. The resolution stems from findings by a previous Burial Sites Working Group that revealed the state has inadequately managed burial site responsibilities and failed to protect Native Hawaiian burial sites. The proposed working group would be tasked with identifying which SHPD duties related to burial site protection could be shared or assumed by OHA, assessing the feasibility of such a transfer by considering staff resources, legal requirements, and technological needs, and developing an implementation plan with a timeline. The working group would include representatives from SHPD, OHA, Island Burial Councils, and five community experts with experience in protecting Native Hawaiian burial sites. They are requested to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by late 2026. The resolution is grounded in the state's constitutional duty to protect Native Hawaiian cultural practices and the recognition of Native Hawaiians' rights to maintain and protect their cultural and religious sites.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=193&year=2025