H.R. 121 - Funeral Expenses Resolution

• Requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study Hawaii's laws governing cemetery and funeral trusts and provide recommendations to strengthen consumer protections.

• Directs study to address issues including mishandling of trust funds, overpayment for services, and fraud potential in pre-need funeral contracts.

• Recommends implementing measures such as full portability of pre-need funeral plans, requiring 100 percent of paid moneys be placed in trust with interest, and providing annual statements of fund disposition.

• Requires refunds within 30 days of written cancellation notice, with purchasers entitled to amounts paid plus interest minus allowable cemetery or funeral authority costs.

• Department must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session.