HI SR130

Requests the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to convene a working group to examine transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management 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 of transfer by considering staff, financial resources, legal requirements, technological needs, and other relevant factors, and develop an implementation plan with timeline and statutory amendments if needed.

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

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