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SR 130

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE AND CONSIDER THE TRANSFER OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN BURIAL SITE MANAGEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 6E, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, FROM THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Keohokalole

Hawaii requests study of transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management authority from state historic preservation office to Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1).
#burialsites #islandburialcouncils #oha #shpd
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Bill Summary · SR 130

Legislative bill overview

SR 130 requests that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) establish a working group to study whether management of Native Hawaiian burial sites under Hawaii law should be transferred from the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) to OHA. The resolution does not mandate the transfer itself, but rather calls for examination of the feasibility, legal implications, and process for such a potential shift.

Why is this important

Native Hawaiian burial sites carry deep cultural and spiritual significance to Native Hawaiians, and this proposal addresses who has primary authority over their protection and management. The outcome could fundamentally reshape how burial sites are regulated, potentially giving Native Hawaiians greater control over decisions affecting their ancestors' resting places—a longstanding priority in Native Hawaiian sovereignty discussions.

Potential points of contention

  • Sovereignty and self-determination: Supporters view OHA management as honoring Native Hawaiian self-governance; critics may worry about reducing state oversight or consistency in archaeological standards
  • Practical capacity: Questions about whether OHA has adequate funding, staffing, and expertise to manage burial sites statewide compared to the current SHPD structure
  • Legal clarity: The working group must clarify how Chapter 6E protections would function under different management and what happens to existing SHPD procedures, permits, and pending cases

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

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