H.B. 747 Summary

• Legalizes natural organic reduction (human composting) as an alternative method for treating and disposing of human remains in Hawaii, alongside traditional burial and cremation.

• Defines natural organic reduction as the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil, and establishes natural organic reduction facilities as structures where this process occurs.

• Amends Chapter 327N to regulate natural organic reduction facilities as mortuaries and funeral establishments subject to existing funeral industry requirements.

• Authorizes the Department of Human Services to pay up to $800 for natural organic reduction services for unclaimed dead human bodies, consistent with existing cremation reimbursement policies.

• Updates Hawaii Revised Statutes sections governing disposition of human remains, unclaimed bodies, anatomical gifts, and funeral director authority to include natural organic reduction as a recognized final disposition method.