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Bill

SB 268

RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

SB 268 restructures Hawaii's Island Burial Councils to govern the protection, management, and cultural protocols of Native Hawaiian burial sites and ancestral remains.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 268

Legislative bill overview

SB 268 establishes or modifies the structure and authority of Island Burial Councils in Hawaii, which oversee the management and protection of burial grounds and Native Hawaiian burial practices. The bill appears to address governance, responsibilities, and procedural matters related to these councils, though specific amendments made during the legislative process would clarify exact provisions.

Why is this important

Burial councils play a critical role in protecting Native Hawaiian cultural heritage and ensuring respectful treatment of ancestral remains and sacred burial sites. The bill's passage could affect how burials are managed across Hawaiian islands, influence consultation processes with Native Hawaiian communities, and potentially impact development projects that encounter burial sites.

Potential points of contention

  • Cultural authority and sovereignty: Questions about the balance between state government oversight and Native Hawaiian self-determination in controlling burial practices and site access
  • Implementation and funding: Unclear resource allocation for councils to effectively enforce regulations and conduct necessary oversight across multiple islands
  • Stakeholder representation: Concerns about whose voices are represented on councils and whether composition adequately reflects affected Native Hawaiian communities versus government or development interests

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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