HI SB234

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

Task force shall consider options for preservation in place and reburial when necessary, aligned with Native Hawaiian burial practices.

Task force composition 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 expertise.

Department of Land and Natural Resources historic preservation division administers the task force, provides a facilitator, and submits findings and recommendations to the legislature and governor no later than twenty days before the 2015 regular session.

Task force members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for necessary expenses including travel; task force ceases to exist on June 30, 2015; Act takes effect July 1, 2014.