THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3247
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the royal mausoleum, also known as Mauna ʻAla in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is the sacred resting place of the aliʻi of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua dynasties, among other high chiefs of Hawaiʻi. This wahi pana holds deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for Native Hawaiians and the people of Hawaiʻi. Mauna ʻAla embodies the mana of the aliʻi and the cultural practice of mālama iwi kūpuna, expressing the enduring respect for the ancestors who shaped Hawaiʻi's history and identity.

Since its transfer to the department of land and natural resources in 1967, Mauna ʻAla has been maintained by the State. However, the legislature finds that concerns have arisen from Native Hawaiian organizations, the aliʻi trusts, and cultural descendants about ensuring that all management decisions uphold traditional protocols, respect genealogical ties, and preserve the sanctity of the site.

The legislature believes that proper protection and management of Mauna ʻAla are necessary to safeguard the site for future generations.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary royal mausoleum working group within the department of land and natural resources to ensure the respectful stewardship, preservation, and appropriate management of the royal mausoleum, or Mauna ʻAla, in accordance with Hawaiian cultural traditions and values.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a working group to be known as the royal mausoleum working group, to be placed within the department of land and natural resources.

(b) The working group shall consist of seven members.

(c) The working group shall:

(1) Determine a process for the selection of the curator of Mauna ʻAla;

(2) Develop a long-term plan for the proper protection and management of Mauna ʻAla;

(3) Determine whether the department of land and natural resources is the proper steward for Mauna ʻAla or whether a co-management agreement would be more appropriate; and

(4) Address other matters that the working group deems necessary.

(d) The working group shall hold quarterly meetings, which shall be open to the public and for which minutes shall be made public. At least seven days prior to each quarterly meeting, the working group shall post public notice of the meeting, including on a publicly accessible part of the department of land and natural resources' website.

(e) The working group shall be exempt from part I of chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

(f) Members of the working group shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties, subject to legislative appropriation.

(g) The working group shall submit to the legislature:

(1) An interim report of its progress no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027; and

(2) A final report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.

(h) The working group shall cease to exist on December 31, 2027.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Mauna ʻAla; Royal Mausoleum Working Group; DLNR; Reports

Description:

Establishes a temporary Royal Mausoleum Working Group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires the Royal Mausoleum Working Group to submit reports to the Legislature. Sunsets the working group on 12/31/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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