Bill > SR130

This resolution requests the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to convene a working group to examine the potential transfer of Native Hawaiian burial site management from the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) to OHA under Chapter 6E of Hawaii Revised Statutes. The working group would be tasked with identifying which duties related to burial site protection could be shared or transferred to OHA, assessing the feasibility of such a transfer by considering OHA's resources and legal requirements, and developing an implementation plan with a timeline. The group would also evaluate recommendations from a previous Burial Sites Working Group report and submit its findings to the Legislature prior to the 2027 Regular Session. The proposed working group would include representatives from SHPD, OHA, Island Burial Councils, community experts in Native Hawaiian burial site protection, and a representative from Hui Iwi Kuamo'o, a repatriation advocacy organization. The resolution stems from concerns about the State's management of Native Hawaiian burial sites, including potential conflicts of interest and inadequate protection, and aligns with broader principles of Native Hawaiian self-determination and cultural preservation as recognized in state constitutional and international declarations.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=130&year=2025