HB 1961 - Relating To Burials

• Authorizes alkaline hydrolysis as an alternative method for treating and disposing of human remains alongside traditional cremation, enabling traditional Native Hawaiian burial practices.

• Defines key terms including "alkaline hydrolysis," "hydrolysis equipment," and "hydrolysis facility" for regulatory purposes in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 531B-2.

• Expands disposition options for unclaimed dead human bodies to include alkaline hydrolysis in addition to cremation, with state payment support up to $800 per unclaimed body.

• Updates all relevant statutes governing funeral establishments, cemeteries, mortuaries, and crematories to include hydrolysis facilities and authorizes these facilities to hold rights of disposition and recover reasonable charges.

• Requires the Department of Health to adopt administrative rules to implement and regulate alkaline hydrolysis practices under chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes.