If enacted, HB 646 will amend existing laws to restore these exemptions while reinstating previous requirements for cemetery authorities. This move is prompted by feedback from the community and churches indicating that the current system under Act 22 has failed to provide affordable afterlife arrangements. The aim is to alleviate the financial distress imposed on religious institutions and their congregants, allowing for more economical funeral services and columbarium access for church members.
House Bill 646 aims to repeal Act 22, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020, which was intended to reduce costs for certain cemeteries and nonprofit entities by allowing them to be exempt from various bonding and fee requirements if they did not operate for profit. However, the legislature has found that the implementation of Act 22 has not achieved its intended outcomes, as funeral costs have reportedly increased, placing additional financial burdens on parishioners and member organizations. The bill seeks to revert to prior regulations, re-establishing that cemetery authorities must prove they do not engage in profit-making to qualify for exemptions.
The discussion surrounding HB 646 is particularly focused on identifying the effectiveness of the exemptions provided by past legislation. Proponents argue that the repeal is necessary to address the increasing costs faced by local cemeteries and to ensure that parishioners have access to affordable burial options. On the other hand, critics may question whether reverting to previous regulations will substantively solve the financial issues, or whether alternative measures may be necessary to address the root causes of increasing funeral costs in Hawaii.