HI HB2231

Transfers appointment authority for island burial council members from the Governor and Senate to the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

Addresses chronic vacancies and appointment delays that have impaired burial councils' ability to reach quorum for decisions on Native Hawaiian skeletal remains (iwi kupuna) preservation.

Establishes four-year terms for council members with a two-consecutive-term limit (maximum eight consecutive years), and allows OHA to remove or suspend members for cause after notice and public hearing.

Requires the appointment process to include public notice of vacancies, at least one public hearing, and transparent selection standards.

Current council members may continue serving until reappointed or replaced by OHA, but no longer than the end of the fourth legislative session following the Act's effective date (July 1, 3000).