HI HB221

Establishes five island burial councils (one each for Hawai'i, Maui/Lāna'i, Moloka'i, O'ahu, and Kaua'i/Ni'ihau) within the department instead of requiring the department to establish them.

Sets fixed council sizes at nine members each, except Kaua'i/Ni'ihau council which has eleven members, with no more than three representatives from development and large property owner interests.

Requires at least one representative from each specified geographic region selected from the Hawaiian community based on their understanding of Native Hawaiian culture, history, burial beliefs, customs, and practices.

Defines specific geographic regions for each island council and requires at least 20 percent of regional representatives to be appointed from candidates provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Specifies that a majority of all members entitled to serve on each council constitutes a quorum and requires concurrence of a majority of members present for valid council actions.