Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR176

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Provide Maintenance Services At Sunset Memorial Park And Develop A Plan For The State To Take Ownership Of Sunset Memorial Park.

Impact

If SR176 is enacted, it would prompt state intervention to maintain Sunset Memorial Park effectively. The state aims to address the ongoing neglect by developing a comprehensive plan for the park's management and eventual state ownership. The bill responds to the community's concerns for safety and maintenance since the cemetery relies heavily on volunteers, which is insufficient given the current state of disrepair. The resolution emphasizes that without state involvement, the conditions at the cemetery will likely worsen further, presenting more significant challenges in preserving the site’s integrity.

Summary

Senate Resolution 176 (SR176) urges the Department of Accounting and General Services to take action at Sunset Memorial Park, situated in Pearl City, Oahu. This cemetery is currently in dire condition and shrouded in legal uncertainty since the owning company dissolved in 2006, and its owner died in 2011. The neglect of the cemetery has led to various safety concerns, including difficult access to gravesites, vandalism, and overgrown vegetation. Families with loved ones interred at the park face challenges identifying graves due to these deteriorating conditions.

Contention

One notable aspect of SR176 is its indication of the existing legal complexities surrounding the trust fund balance of $168,000 designated for the park, which remains inaccessible due to legal issues. Introducing a state-sanctioned maintenance program could stabilize the conditions at Sunset Memorial Park and provide assurance to families concerned about the treatment of their loved ones' final resting place. However, there may be discussions about financing the maintenance and the implications of state ownership on local governance and community involvement in cemetery management.

Companion Bills

HI SCR181

Same As Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Provide Maintenance Services At Sunset Memorial Park And Develop A Plan For The State To Take Ownership Of Sunset Memorial Park.

Previously Filed As

HI SR34

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Establish A Working Group To Plan And Construct A Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

HI SCR46

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Establish A Working Group To Plan And Construct A Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

HI HCR97

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Establish A Working Group To Plan And Construct A Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

HI HR81

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Establish A Working Group To Plan And Construct A Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

HI HCR211

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI HR191

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI SB2820

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI SB2717

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI SB2516

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI HB2069

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

Similar Bills

VA HB809

Historical African American cemeteries and graves; Isle of Wight, Prince George, and Surry Counties.

VA SB23

Historical African American cemeteries and graves; qualified organization, eligibility for funding.

VA HB727

Historical African American cemeteries and graves; qualified organization, eligibility for funding.

VA SB76

Historical African American cemeteries and graves; qualified organization.

VA HB140

Historical African American cemeteries; changes date of establishment for qualification of funds.

VA SB477

Historical African American cemeteries; changes date of establishment for qualification of funds.

VA SB1062

African American cemeteries and graves; appropriations by DHR.

VA HB2244

African American cemeteries and graves; appropriations DHR.