S.R. No. 64 Summary

• Requests the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to conduct a study of jurisdictional issues related to removing burial sites during cemetery decertification in consultation with the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

• Identifies unclear jurisdiction among state departments involved in decertification: Department of Health issues disinterment permits, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs controls licensing and decertification, and Department of Land and Natural Resources requires photographic documentation of headstones.

• Addresses confusion arising from overlapping departmental responsibilities that has caused challenges for at least three cemeteries undergoing decertification.

• Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 Regular Session convenes.

• Aims to clarify jurisdictional responsibilities to preserve the integrity of both Native Hawaiian and non-Native Hawaiian burial sites consistent with state goals for cultural property conservation.