HI SB234

Establishes a task force convened by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop additional procedures and protocols for cases where lineal or cultural descendants of Native Hawaiian skeletal remains cannot be established.

Task force membership includes representatives from the historic preservation division, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, island burial councils, Native Hawaiian organizations, and members of the Native Hawaiian community with cultural knowledge.

Task force shall consider reburial options, including potential reburial on the island of Kahoolawe, to address indefinite deferrals in burial treatment plan decisions.

Department of Land and Natural Resources historic preservation division shall administer the task force, provide a facilitator, and submit findings and recommendations to the legislature and governor no later than twenty days before the 2014 regular legislative session.

Task force members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for expenses; the task force ceases to exist on June 30, 2014; the act takes effect July 1, 2013.