Relating To Burial Sites.
If enacted, SB2442 would impact the treatment and preservation of burial sites within the state of Hawaii by establishing a unique classification for burial sites that considers both marked and unmarked locations. This amendment may enhance the protection of cultural heritage by ensuring that burial sites and associated archaeological contexts are recognized more distinctly as historic properties. The change could facilitate better management practices for state historic preservation efforts.
Senate Bill 2442 aims to clarify and amend the definition of 'burial site' as outlined in section 6E-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The bill arises from concerns that the current definition leads to ambiguous interpretations, especially in cases involving multiple burials, secondary burials, and burial sites with or without markings. By restructuring the statutory definition, the bill seeks to address these interpretations more comprehensively and provide clearer guidelines regarding the identification and classification of burial sites.
Discussions around this bill may include various points of contention related to how the clarification might affect existing statutes regarding burial sites. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the implications for developers or land-use policies, particularly in contexts where burial sites are discovered. The need for clearer regulations reflects an ongoing challenge in balancing development interests with the preservation of historical and cultural resources within the state.