Relating To Burial Sites.
The bill aims to protect and manage Hawaiian burial sites as they face threats from environmental changes. It sets forth a framework for cooperation among various state departments, including the State Historic Preservation Division and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. This collaboration is intended to ensure the respectful relocation of 'iwi' to maintain cultural connections while also developing policies that safeguard these important sites to honor their historical significance.
House Bill 764 addresses the critical issue of Hawaiian burial sites threatened by coastal erosion, an increasing concern exacerbated by climate change. The bill acknowledges the cultural significance of 'iwi', or human skeletal remains, which are essential to Native Hawaiian traditions and genealogical ties. It establishes an inter-division program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources aimed at locating, moving, and restoring these burial sites that are exposed or likely to be impacted due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as torrential rains and king tides.
While the bill aims to preserve Hawaiians' cultural heritage, it may also lead to contention regarding land use and the rights of local communities. Critics may argue that the logistics and fiscal impacts associated with moving burial sites could pose challenges. Furthermore, the need to balance environmental concerns with the cultural imperatives may lead to debates among stakeholders about the best approaches for site management and protection moving forward.