Hawaii House Bill HR67

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Intervene In The Situation At Sunset Memorial Park And Use Any Necessary Legal Means To Take Control Of Sunset Memorial Park.

Impact

The resolution highlights the ongoing problems at Sunset Memorial Park and the necessity for local government intervention to manage the site effectively. Legal barriers currently prevent access to a trust fund set up for the park, which contains $168,000 but cannot be utilized due to unresolved ownership issues. This financial limitation has hindered any meaningful maintenance or improvements, leaving the site to rely on volunteers who lack the necessary resources.

Summary

House Resolution 67 urges the City and County of Honolulu to take action regarding the Sunset Memorial Park, which has been left in a state of neglect following the involuntary dissolution of its owning company in 2006 and the death of its owner in 2011. The cemetery is currently suffering significant deterioration, raising safety concerns for relatives of those interred there. Issues such as sunken graves, overgrown vegetation, and vandalism have made it increasingly difficult for families to locate loved ones, and the area has also become a target for crime and homeless encampments.

Contention

The call to action reflects the broader issue of community responsibility and the role of government in managing neglected public spaces. Supporters argue that the City and County must protect public health and safety by ensuring that Sunset Memorial Park is adequately maintained. Critics may question the effectiveness of government intervention in private property matters and whether additional funding can be justified without a clear plan for long-term management.