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SCR 167

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TO ASSESS ITS READINESS AND ABILITY TO ASSUME STEWARDSHIP OF THE SACRED HAWAIIAN GROUNDS OF MAUNA ALA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Richards

Bill requests Office of Hawaiian Affairs assess capacity to assume management of Mauna Ala, sacred Hawaiian burial grounds, through voluntary readiness evaluation.

The committee on HWN deferred the measure.
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Bill Summary · SCR 167

Legislative bill overview

SCR 167 is a concurrent resolution requesting that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) conduct a comprehensive assessment of its readiness and capacity to assume stewardship responsibilities over Mauna Ala, identified as sacred Hawaiian grounds. The bill does not mandate action but formally requests that OHA evaluate its operational, financial, and organizational capabilities to take on this stewardship role.

Why is this important

Mauna Ala (the burial grounds of Hawaiian royalty and cultural leaders) represents spiritually and historically significant land in Hawaii. The question of who should steward such sacred sites directly affects how Hawaiian cultural heritage is preserved, managed, and protected. This assessment could lay groundwork for potential future transfers of land management authority from state or current entities to OHA, an organization established to further Hawaiian interests.

Potential points of contention

  • OHA's current capacity: Questions exist about whether OHA has sufficient funding, staff expertise, and administrative infrastructure to manage sacred grounds while fulfilling existing mandates
  • Land ownership and authority: Unclear who currently holds legal title to Mauna Ala and whether stewardship transfer requires legislative action beyond this request
  • Definition of stewardship scope: The bill does not specify what stewardship entails (maintenance, access control, ceremonial use policies, etc.), potentially leading to disagreement on expectations

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

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