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Bill

GM 672

Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Island Burial Council, Island of Moloka'i, Gubernatorial Nominee, LAʻAKEA POEPOE, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

2025 Regular Session

Governor withdrew nomination of La'akea Poepoe to Moloka'i Island Burial Council before confirmation hearing, preventing public vetting of the cultural appointee.

Nominee(s) withdrawn by Governor. (Gov. Msg. No. 786)
#islandburialcouncil #islandofmoloka'i
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Bill Summary · GM 672

Legislative bill overview

Bill GM 672 was a gubernatorial nomination confirmation for La'akea Poepoe to serve on the Island Burial Council for Moloka'i, with a term set to expire June 30, 2029. The bill has been withdrawn by the Governor as of March 31, 2025, and is no longer under consideration.

Why is this important

Island Burial Councils play a significant role in Hawaii's cultural and legal framework, overseeing the treatment and protection of Native Hawaiian burial sites and human remains. Confirmation of council members directly affects how sacred Hawaiian burial grounds are managed and preserved on the islands.

Potential points of contention

  • The nomination was withdrawn before any public hearing could be completed, raising questions about whether there were concerns regarding the nominee's qualifications or background
  • The repeated scheduling and deletion of public hearings (three times in one week) suggests procedural irregularities or last-minute issues that prevented public vetting
  • Limited transparency regarding the specific reasons for withdrawal leaves community stakeholders without clear understanding of what prompted the Governor's decision

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

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