Submit Testimony on SB268 and SB269 by Monday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Testimony received after the deadline will be accepted, but will be considered late. If you wish to testify via videoconference, you must also submit written testimony.
See the Hawaiian Affairs Hearing Notice and Submit Testimony Here
Aloha e Chair Richards, Vice Chair San Buenaventura, and Members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs:
I support SB268 for the following reasons:
Perpetuation of mālama iwi practices: SB268 strengthens the ability of island burial councils to fulfill their primary mission: to protect and mālama iwi kūpuna. By centering cultural knowledge and expertise, and removing the requirement that developer and large landowner interests have reserved seats on each council, this bill ensures the councils will represent Native Hawaiian cultural perspectives.
Increasing the effectiveness of burial councils: SB268 would also lower the number of individuals necessary for the councils to meet by removing the landowner seats. Quorum has historically been a roadblock to council decision making, leaving important community issues—including the recognition of lineal and cultural descendants—unresolved. Allowing councils to do business with a smaller number of members will help relieve this backlog and ensure that descendants have a voice in the protection and preservation of burial sites.
Implementing the state’s trust duties: As recognized by the legislature when the burial councils were created in 1990, the public has a vital interest in the disposition of its interred persons, which is in the nature of a sacred trust for the benefit of all. The state also has a constitutional trust duty to protect Native Hawaiian traditional and cultural practices, including those related to mālama iwi. The island burial councils are an important means for the state to effectuate these trust duties by ensuring Native Hawaiians cultural perspectives are properly reflected in council decisions.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of this important measure. I respectfully urge the committee to pass SB268.
[Your Contact Information]
Aloha e Chair Richards, Vice Chair San Buenaventura, and Members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs:
I support SB269 which increases funding for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to hire new staff and accelerate implementation of its 15-year strategic plan, Mana i Mauli Ola. The state has never allocated OHA its full pro rata share due by law and therefore periodic appropriations are just, fair, and necessary to enable OHA to meet its broad mandate to better the condition of Native Hawaiians.
I also understand that OHA’s funding request will staff positions focused on leveraging partnerships with other state and county agencies and increasing transparency around OHA’s work, including progress towards meeting its mandates. This is a smart investment of taxpayer dollars to ensure collaboration between and among government entities that serve Native Hawaiians and share common goals.
As a Native Hawaiian beneficiary and voter, I am excited to see that OHA’s leadership is bringing innovative approaches to problems that have persisted for generations. The strategic direction undertaken by OHA is worthy of support from the legislature as we work together to provide opportunity and progress for all Hawai‘i’s residents.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of this important measure. I respectfully urge the committee to pass SB269.
[Your Contact Information]
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