HI HB711

Transfers functions and responsibilities for preservation and protection of native Hawaiian burial sites from the Department of Land and Natural Resources historic preservation division to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Island burial councils are transferred to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and expanded to include representatives appointed from candidates provided by the office.

Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs approval for permits, excavations, and management decisions related to native Hawaiian burial sites, while the historic preservation division retains oversight of cemeteries and burial sites of other cultural groups.

Updates statutes governing burial site discovery, removal, relocation, and archaeological activities to specify that native Hawaiian burial sites require Office of Hawaiian Affairs approval instead of or in addition to Department of Land and Natural Resources approval.

Transfers all personnel, appropriations, records, equipment, and property related to native Hawaiian burial functions from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; effective July 1, 2011.