HI SCR154

Request that the Department of Health develop and implement administrative rules and policies to facilitate and encourage traditional Hawaiian burial practices.

Recognize traditional Hawaiian burial practice of reducing a corpse to skeletal remains ("iwi") and interring them in a kapa or lauhala container as safe, feasible, and cost-effective using modern crematories.

Identify environmental and cost benefits of traditional Hawaiian burials compared to modern burial techniques, including elimination of embalming chemical contamination and reduced cemetery space requirements.

Require the Department of Health to submit a report on its findings and actions to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2016.