Posted on: Thursday, March 3, 2005

Members sought for island burial councils

Advertiser Staff

The state is seeking applicants to serve as members of the island burial councils that represent Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, O'ahu, Maui and Lana'i, Moloka'i, and Hawai'i.

The councils help to determine the treatment of Hawaiian burial sites affected by development or erosion. Members discuss whether the burials should be moved or reburied in place.

Completed applications must be received by the end of the business day March 11, for appointments to be made in 2005.

Council members are selected to fill slots either as regional representatives or large-property owner representatives.

Regional representatives are selected on the basis of their understanding of the culture, history, burial beliefs, customs and practices of Native Hawaiians. According to state historic preservation rules, they represent regions that correspond with traditional Hawaiian districts, such as Hamakua, 'Ewa, Puna and Ko'olaupoko.

Large-property owner representatives must be employed by or associated with either a developer who conducts large-scale land development activities or someone who owns or leases at least 100 acres of land on the given island.

Burial council members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

Applications are available from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Office of the Chairperson; the department's State Historic Preservation Division office; and from Office of Hawaiian Affairs branches; or www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/hpd/.

The historic preservation division office is at 601 Kamokila Blvd., Room 555, Kapolei, HI 96707. For more information, call 692-8015, or fax 692-8020.