STAND. COM. REP. NO. 987-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2231

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2231, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to transfer the appointment authority for Island Burial Council members from the Governor and Senate to the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from seven individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that island burial councils serve a critical cultural role by determining the treatment necessary for Native Hawaiian skeletal remains. Your Committee further finds that chronic vacancies and long appointment delays have impaired the councils' ability to reach quorum, delaying preservation decisions. While the appointment authority for island burial council members is currently vested with the Governor and the Senate, your Committee recognizes that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is better positioned to make appointments that are culturally appropriate, timely, and maintain community trust. This measure promotes the efficacy of island burial councils by transferring appointment authority to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2231, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair