Hawaii Island Burial Council

The Hawaii Island Burial Council is one of five island burial councils established under state law to provide community oversight of Kanaka ʻŌiwi burial sites on Hawaii Island. Nānā aku nei ia i proposed disposition plans for previously identified burial sites, determines the appropriate treatment of newly discovered human remains, and advises on the preservation, protection, and relocation of burials in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division. The council reflects lineal and cultural descendant perspectives.

Development projects on Hawaii Island frequently encounter Kanaka ʻŌiwi burial remains, and this council determines whether those burials are preserved in place, relocated, or otherwise treated in a culturally appropriate manner. Kanaka ʻŌiwi communities and development project stakeholders both have a strong interest in council decisions.