HB 680 Summary

• Authorizes alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as alternative methods for treating and disposing of human remains, alongside traditional cremation, to support traditional Hawaiian burial practices.

• Adds seven new definitions to Hawaii law including "alkaline hydrolysis," "cremation," "hydrolysis facility," "natural organic reduction," and related terms to establish legal framework for these disposal methods.

• Amends multiple statutes (§327-32, §327-36, §346-15, §531B-6 through §531B-11, and §841-10) to include hydrolysis facilities and natural organic reduction facilities in provisions governing funeral arrangements, disposition disputes, and coroner duties.

• Expands procedures for resolving disputes over disposition rights and authorizes funeral establishments and similar facilities to rely on written instructions from individuals claiming disposition rights under the new methods.

• Takes effect July 1, 2060.