Bill > SB3247

This bill establishes a Royal Mausoleum Working Group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to oversee the preservation, operation, and public outreach for Mauna ?Ala, the royal mausoleum and sacred resting place of Hawaiian royalty. This working group, composed of representatives from various Hawaiian trusts, royal societies, civic clubs, burial councils, and lineal descendants, will develop and implement policies for Mauna ?Ala, including protocols for visitor access, ceremonial practices, and the care of remains. The group is empowered to make necessary rules, employ staff, and accept private or federal funds, and it is required to submit regular reports to the Legislature, which in turn must appropriate sufficient funds to support its operations. The bill also clarifies definitions for terms like "kahu family" and "lineal descendant" to ensure culturally appropriate management and emphasizes the protection of traditional and customary practices.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3247&year=2026