HR118

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Native Hawaiian burial sites and the need to protect these sacred places; and

WHEREAS, Native Hawaiian iwi kūpuna were historically interred along sandy shoreline areas, which are now increasingly threatened by coastal erosion; and

WHEREAS, multiple culturally sensitive shoreline areas across the State, including Lahilahi Beach Park in Waiʻanae, Kaulahao Beach in Hamakuapoko, and the Old Kona Airport Beach Park in Kailua-Kona, have experienced ongoing coastal erosion, resulting in the continuous exposure of iwi kūpuna; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 13-300-2, Hawaii Administrative Rules, iwi exposed due to erosion are classified as inadvertent discoveries; and

WHEREAS, the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is the designated agency responsible for the disposition of inadvertently discovered iwi kūpuna; and

WHEREAS, iwi discovered through shoreline erosion are frequently located within the high-water mark, making it difficult to preserve them in place; and

WHEREAS, iwi found in shoreline areas also fall within the jurisdiction of the State, complicating quick reinterment efforts within the immediate vicinity due to the need for permission from adjacent property owners; and

WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced to address the discovery of iwi kūpuna exposed along Hawaii's shorelines due to coastal erosion; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of an inter-division program to coordinate efforts among state and county agencies is necessary to ensure the successful coordination of efforts in locating, protecting, and restoring Native Hawaiian burial sites and iwi kūpuna affected by coastal erosion; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to establish a collaborative working group to survey, identify, and monitor culturally sensitive shorelines impacted by erosion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the collaborative working group is requested to include the following members:

(1) Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, or the Chairperson's designee;

(2) Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, or the Chairperson's designee;

(3) Administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division, or the Administrator's designee;

(4) A representative of the Island Burial Councils, to be selected by the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources;

(5) A representative from the City and County of Honolulu selected by the Mayor;

(6) A representative of the County of Hawaii selected by the Mayor;

(7) A representative of the County of Maui selected by the Mayor; and

(8) A representative of the County of Kauai selected by the Mayor; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the collaborative working group is requested to determine a process to address iwi kūpuna exposed along shorelines, ensuring their protection from adverse impact; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the collaborative working group is requested to assess public lands near culturally sensitive areas were iwi kūpuna were exposed along shorelines to determine locations that may be designated as suitable reinternment sites; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to consider the appropriate methods of funding to support the collaborative working group, including for the construction of secure and culturally appropriate reinternment vaults in areas designated by the collaborative working group to ensure the respectful and permanent protection of iwi kūpuna; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the collaborative working group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division; and Mayors of the City and County of Honolulu and County of Maui, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai.

OFFERED BY:

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	118
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII