HI SCR161

Requests the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to convene a working group to examine transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management responsibilities from the State Historic Preservation Division to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs under Chapter 6E, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Working group must identify which duties and responsibilities regarding Native Hawaiian burial site protection and Island Burial Council administration can be shared with or assumed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Working group must assess feasibility considering staffing, financial resources, legal requirements, and technological needs, and develop an implementation plan with timeline and necessary statutory amendments.

Working group composition includes two members each from the State Historic Preservation Division and Office of Hawaiian Affairs, one representative from each Island Burial Council, up to five community experts in burial site protection, and one member from Hui Iwi Kuamo'o repatriation organization.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session convenes.