HB 2104: Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-05: Act 096, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1196).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill changes rules for Island Burial Councils and affects council members, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. It allows regional council members to receive a per‑day stipend, extends the time to fill a vacancy during a member’s term to 75 calendar days, and sets a quorum as a majority of appointed members but no fewer than three.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. (CD1)
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. Effective 9/9/2129. (SD1)
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Revises the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes stipends for certain Island Burial Council members. Amends section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statues, relating to quorum and compensation.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2104 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection of iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) is a matter of utmost cultural and historical importance. Island burial councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the department of land and natural resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. However, the effectiveness of the councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. These challenges are particularly severe on less populated islands, where councils often fail to meet quorum, preventing lineal and cultural descendants from having a meaningful voice in decisions about the treatment of iwi kupuna and exercising their right to self-determination. Council members are further required to attend lengthy meetings and engage in consultations for inadvertent discoveries within their moku (region), adding to these constraints.
The legislature further finds that these constraints undermine the councils' capacity to fulfill their statutory responsibilities, delay decision-making, and frustrate Native Hawaiian families and communities who seek the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the island burial councils by:
(1) Extending the time to fill vacancies that occur during a council member's term;
(2) Providing per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for council members representing geographic regions to improve recruitment and retention; and
(3) Adjusting the councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members.
SECTION 2. Section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (b) to read:
"(b) Appointment of members to the councils shall be made by the governor, in accordance with section 26-34 and subsection (a), from lists for each council submitted by the department and the office of Hawaiian affairs. Lists to fill vacancies on the councils shall be submitted as follows:
(1) For vacancies attributable to the expiration of terms, the list shall be submitted on the first business day of December before the expiration of the terms, except as provided in subsection (c); and
(2) For
a vacancy that occurs during a council [representative's] member's
term, the list shall be submitted within [thirty business] seventy-five
calendar days after the vacancy occurs, except as provided in subsection
(c)."
2. By amending subsections (e) and (f) to read:
"(e)
The department, in consultation with the councils, office of Hawaiian
affairs, representatives of development and large landowner interests, and
appropriate Hawaiian organizations, such as Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawaiʻi Nei, shall adopt rules pursuant to
chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The council members shall serve without [compensation,]
salary, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during
the performance of their duties. Council
members appointed to represent geographic regions may receive a stipend for each
day of attendance at a duly noticed meeting, paid by the office of Hawaiian
affairs. The stipend amount, process,
and eligibility requirements shall be determined by the board of trustees of
the office of Hawaiian affairs. In
addition, council members shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred
during the performance of their duties.
The councils shall be a part of the department for administrative
purposes.
(f)
The councils shall hold meetings and acquire information as they deem
necessary and shall communicate their findings and recommendations to the
department. Notwithstanding section
92-3, whenever the location and description of burial sites are under
consideration, the councils may hold closed meetings. A majority of all members appointed to
[which] each council [is entitled] shall constitute a quorum to
do business[.]; provided that no fewer than three members shall
constitute a quorum to do business.
Concurrence of a majority of the members present at a meeting shall be
necessary to make any action of a council valid."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
Description:
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2104 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection of iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) is a matter of utmost cultural and historical importance. Island burial councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the department of land and natural resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. However, the effectiveness of the councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. These challenges are particularly severe on less populated islands, where councils often fail to meet quorum, preventing lineal and cultural descendants from having a meaningful voice in decisions about the treatment of iwi kupuna and exercising their right to self-determination. Council members are further required to attend lengthy meetings and engage in consultations for inadvertent discoveries within their moku (region), adding to these constraints.
The legislature further finds that these constraints undermine the councils' capacity to fulfill their statutory responsibilities, delay decision making, and frustrate Native Hawaiian families and communities who seek the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the island burial councils by:
(1) Extending the time to fill vacancies that occur during a council member's term;
(2) Providing per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for council members representing geographic regions to improve recruitment and retention; and
(3) Adjusting the councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members.
SECTION 2. Section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (b) to read:
"(b) Appointment of members to the councils shall be made by the governor, in accordance with section 26-34 and subsection (a), from lists for each council submitted by the department and the office of Hawaiian affairs. Lists to fill vacancies on the councils shall be submitted as follows:
(1) For vacancies attributable to the expiration of terms, the list shall be submitted on the first business day of December before the expiration of the terms, except as provided in subsection (c); and
(2) For
a vacancy that occurs during a council [representative's] member's
term, the list shall be submitted within [thirty business] seventy-five
calendar days after the vacancy occurs, except as provided in subsection
(c)."
2. By amending subsections (e) and (f) to read:
"(e)
The department, in consultation with the councils, office of Hawaiian
affairs, representatives of development and large landowner interests, and
appropriate Hawaiian organizations, such as Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawaiʻi Nei, shall adopt rules pursuant to
chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The council members shall serve without [compensation,]
salary, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during
the performance of their duties. Council
members appointed to represent geographic regions may receive a stipend for
expenses actually incurred in connection with attendance at a duly noticed
council meeting, subject to documentation requirements established by the
office of Hawaiian affairs and paid from funds available to the office of
Hawaiian affairs. The stipend amount
shall be determined and disbursed by the office of Hawaiian affairs. The councils shall be a part of the
department for administrative purposes.
(f)
The councils shall hold meetings and acquire information as they deem
necessary and shall communicate their findings and recommendations to the
department. Notwithstanding section
92-3, whenever the location and description of burial sites are under
consideration, the councils may hold closed meetings. A majority of all members appointed to
[which] each council [is entitled] shall constitute a quorum to
do business[.]; provided that no fewer than three members shall
constitute a quorum to do business.
Concurrence of a majority of the members present at a meeting shall be
necessary to make any action of a council valid."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on September 9, 2129.
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
Description:
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. Effective 9/9/2129. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2104 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection of iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) is a matter of utmost cultural and historical importance. Island burial councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the department of land and natural resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. However, the effectiveness of the councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. These challenges are particularly severe on less populated islands, where councils often fail to meet quorum, preventing lineal and cultural descendants from having a meaningful voice in decisions about the treatment of iwi kupuna and exercising their right to self-determination. Council members are further required to attend lengthy meetings and engage in consultations for inadvertent discoveries within their moku (region), adding to these constraints.
The legislature further finds that these constraints undermine the councils' capacity to fulfill their statutory responsibilities, delay decision making, and frustrate Native Hawaiian families and communities who seek the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the island burial councils by:
(1) Extending the time to fill vacancies that occur during a council member's term;
(2) Providing per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for council members representing geographic regions to improve recruitment and retention; and
(3) Adjusting the councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members.
SECTION 2. Section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (b) to read:
"(b) Appointment of members to the councils shall be made by the governor, in accordance with section 26-34 and subsection (a), from lists for each council submitted by the department and the office of Hawaiian affairs. Lists to fill vacancies on the councils shall be submitted as follows:
(1) For vacancies attributable to the expiration of terms, the list shall be submitted on the first business day of December before the expiration of the terms, except as provided in subsection (c); and
(2) For
a vacancy that occurs during a council [representative's] member's
term, the list shall be submitted within [thirty business] seventy-five
calendar days after the vacancy occurs, except as provided in subsection
(c)."
2. By amending subsections (e) and (f) to read:
"(e)
The department, in consultation with the councils, office of Hawaiian
affairs, representatives of development and large landowner interests, and
appropriate Hawaiian organizations, such as Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawaiʻi Nei, shall adopt rules pursuant to
chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The council members shall serve without [compensation,]
salary, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during
the performance of their duties. Council
members appointed to represent geographic regions may receive a stipend for
expenses actually incurred in connection with attendance at a duly noticed
council meeting, subject to documentation requirements established by the
office of Hawaiian affairs and paid from funds available to the office of
Hawaiian affairs. The stipend amount
shall be determined and disbursed by the office of Hawaiian affairs. The councils shall be a part of the
department for administrative purposes.
(f)
The councils shall hold meetings and acquire information as they deem
necessary and shall communicate their findings and recommendations to the
department. Notwithstanding section
92-3, whenever the location and description of burial sites are under
consideration, the councils may hold closed meetings. A majority of all members appointed to
[which] each council [is entitled] shall constitute a quorum to
do business[.]; provided that no fewer than three members shall
constitute a quorum to do business.
Concurrence of a majority of the members present at a meeting shall be
necessary to make any action of a council valid."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
Description:
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Adjusts the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members, but no fewer than three members. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2104 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection of iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) is a matter of utmost cultural and historical importance. Island burial councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the department of land and natural resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. However, the effectiveness of the councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. These challenges are particularly severe on less populated islands, where councils often fail to meet quorum, preventing lineal and cultural descendants from having a meaningful voice in decisions about the treatment of iwi kupuna and exercising their right to self-determination. Council members are further required to attend lengthy meetings and engage in consultations for inadvertent discoveries within their moku (region), adding to these constraints.
The legislature further finds that these constraints undermine the councils' capacity to fulfill their statutory responsibilities, delay decision making, and frustrate Native Hawaiian families and communities who seek the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the island burial councils by:
(1) Extending the time to fill vacancies that occur during a council member's term;
(2) Providing per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for council members representing geographic regions to improve recruitment and retention; and
(3) Revising the councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members.
SECTION 2. Section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (b) to read:
"(b) Appointment of members to the councils shall be made by the governor, in accordance with section 26-34 and subsection (a), from lists for each council submitted by the department and the office of Hawaiian affairs. Lists to fill vacancies on the councils shall be submitted as follows:
(1) For vacancies attributable to the expiration of terms, the list shall be submitted on the first business day of December before the expiration of the terms, except as provided in subsection (c); and
(2) For
a vacancy that occurs during a council representative's term, the list shall be
submitted within [thirty business] seventy-five calendar days
after the vacancy occurs, except as provided in subsection (c)."
2. By amending subsections (e) and (f) to read:
"(e)
The department, in consultation with the councils, office of Hawaiian
affairs, representatives of development and large landowner interests, and
appropriate Hawaiian organizations, such as Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai`i
Nei, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out the
purposes of this section. The council
members shall serve without [compensation,] salary, but shall be
reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during the performance of their
duties. Council members appointed to
represent geographic regions may receive a stipend for attendance at a duly
noticed council meeting through a process of application to the office of
Hawaiian affairs. The stipend amount
shall be determined and disbursed by the office of Hawaiian affairs. The councils shall be a part of the
department for administrative purposes.
(f)
The councils shall hold meetings and acquire information as they deem
necessary and shall communicate their findings and recommendations to the
department. Notwithstanding section
92-3, whenever the location and description of burial sites are under
consideration, the councils may hold closed meetings. A majority of all members appointed to
[which] each council [is entitled] shall constitute a quorum to
do business[.]; provided that no fewer than three members shall
constitute a quorum to do business.
Concurrence of a majority of the members present at a meeting shall be
necessary to make any action of a council valid."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
Description:
Extends the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term. Provides per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions. Revises the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2104 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to island burial councils.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection of iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) is a matter of utmost cultural and historical importance. Island burial councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the department of land and natural resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. However, the effectiveness of the councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. These challenges are particularly severe on less populated islands, where councils often fail to meet quorum, preventing lineal and cultural descendants from having a meaningful voice in decisions about the treatment of iwi kupuna and exercising their right to self-determination. Council members are further required to attend lengthy meetings and engage in consultations for inadvertent discoveries within their moku (region), adding to these constraints.
The legislature further finds that these constraints undermine the councils' capacity to fulfill their statutory responsibilities, delay decision making, and frustrate Native Hawaiian families and communities who seek the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the island burial councils by:
(1) Extending the time to fill vacancies that occur during a council member's term;
(2) Providing per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for council members representing geographic regions to improve recruitment and retention; and
(3) Revising the councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members.
SECTION 2. Section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) Appointment of members to the councils shall be made by the governor, in accordance with section 26-34 and subsection (a), from lists for each council submitted by the department and the office of Hawaiian affairs. Lists to fill vacancies on the councils shall be submitted as follows:
(1) For vacancies attributable to the expiration of terms, the list shall be submitted on the first business day of December before the expiration of the terms, except as provided in subsection (c); and
(2) For
a vacancy that occurs during a council representative's term, the list shall be
submitted within [thirty business] seventy-five calendar days
after the vacancy occurs, except as provided in subsection (c)."
2. By amending subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
"(e)
The department, in consultation with the councils, office of Hawaiian
affairs, representatives of development and large landowner interests, and
appropriate Hawaiian organizations, such as Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai`i
Nei, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out the
purposes of this section. The council
members shall serve without [compensation,] salary, but shall be
reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during the performance of their
duties. Council members appointed to
represent geographic regions may receive a stipend for attendance at a duly
noticed council meeting through a process of application to the office of
Hawaiian affairs. The stipend amount
shall be determined and disbursed by the office of Hawaiian affairs. The councils shall be a part of the
department for administrative purposes.
(f)
The councils shall hold meetings and acquire information as they deem
necessary and shall communicate their findings and recommendations to the
department. Notwithstanding section
92-3, whenever the location and description of burial sites are under
consideration, the councils may hold closed meetings. A majority of all members appointed to
[which] each council [is entitled] shall constitute a quorum to
do business[.]; provided that no fewer than three members shall
constitute a quorum to do business.
Concurrence of a majority of the members present at a meeting shall be
necessary to make any action of a council valid."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Package; Historic Preservation; Island Burial Councils
Description:
Establishes stipends for certain Island Burial Council members. Amends section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statues, relating to quorum and compensation.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 096, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1196). |
| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 096, 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1196). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 173-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 173-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 30, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Tarnas, Morikawa, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-30-26 9:20AM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-29-26 9:15AM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 04-28-26 9:45AM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 810). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Hashem, Tarnas, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Shimizu. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Re-referred to WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 32 |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 717). |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Richards Chair; Kanuha Co-Chair; DeCorte. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 599). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 545) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-10-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3652) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3376) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HWN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara, Keohokalole. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 2:05PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to HWN, WAM. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 357). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Garcia, Iwamoto voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1183-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Cochran, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hashem, Garcia. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 02-24-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with Representative(s) Garcia voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 239-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Belatti, Ichiyama, Woodson, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Poepoe, Shimizu; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Iwamoto. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 02-05-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to WAL, JHA, referral sheet 4 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 24, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| 350 Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Avalon Development Company | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Carbon Cashback Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Clean Elections Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Hawaii Island Burial Council | *** Against | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Tax Fairness Coalition | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Workers Center | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Honolulu Tenants Union | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Kalanihale | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Kauaʻi–Niʻihau Island Burial Council | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Kawaiaha'o Church | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Kingdom of Hawaiian Islands | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Ko'olauloa Hawaiian Civic Club | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Ko`olau Foundation | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Ko’olauloa Hawaiian Civic Club | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Marine Advocate for Place-based Governance, Traditional and Customary Practices, and Nearshore & Marine Stewardship | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Miloliʻi community | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Office of Planning and Sustainable Development | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Ohana Unity Party | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Oʻahu Island Burial Council | ** Support | |
| Oʻahu Island Burial Council | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| The Queen's Court | ** Support | |
| The Queen’s Court | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Waialua Hawaiian Civic Club | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1183-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2104
H.D. 2
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. 2104, 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:
(1) Extend the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term;
(2) Provide per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions; and
(3) Revise the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Koʻolau Foundation; Avalon Development; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
Your Committee finds that Island Burial Councils play a critical role in safeguarding burial sites and advising the Department of Land and Natural Resources in decisions affecting Native Hawaiian ancestral remains. Your Committee recognizes that the effectiveness of Island Burial Councils has been limited by persistent vacancies, uncompensated service, and insufficient staff support. This measure promotes the efficacy of Island Burial Councils by extending the period to fill vacancies, providing compensation to council members, and updating quorum requirements.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Specifying that council members may receive stipends only for expenses actually incurred, subject to documentation requirements established by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and payable from available funds of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
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. 2104, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2104, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
|
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 239-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2104
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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2104 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Extend the time to fill vacancies that occur during an Island Burial Council member's term;
(2) Provide per diem compensation in the form of a stipend for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions; and
(3) Revise the Island Burial Councils' quorum for business to be a majority of the appointed council members.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Oʻahu Island Burial Council; Waialua Hawaiian Civic Club; The Queen's Court; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that over the past decade, there have been difficulties with filling vacant seats and maintaining quorum for the Hawaii, Maui/Lanai, Oahu, Kauai/Niihau, and Molokai Island Burial Councils. Your Committee further finds that this measure attempts to address these continuing challenges by allowing stipends for Island Burial Council members representing geographic regions for attending meetings and revising the Councils' quorum requirements.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2104, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2104, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,
|
|
|
____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | HB2104_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | HB2104_HD2_TESTIMONY_HWN_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Feb 24, 2026 | HB2104_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-24-26_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2026 | HB2104_TESTIMONY_WAL_02-05-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
41SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):