HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1840

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Sunset Memorial Park in Pearl City, Oahu, has been neglected for years and has been the focal point of numerous complaints by people who have family members buried there.  In this regard, the cemetery has been described as having a damaged mausoleum, sinking graves, and broken, missing, or obscured grave markers that are hidden by overgrown vegetation.

     Since the death of its previous owner, Sunset Memorial Park has had no registered owner on record.  Volunteers have tried to maintain the cemetery, but have reluctantly stopped because of state liability issues.

     The dilapidated, unsightly state of Sunset Memorial Park is of great concern not only for the families whose loved ones are buried there, but for the surrounding community as well.  The Park has fallen into such disrepair that public safety and health are at issue.  A viable solution to this problem is long overdue.

     Attempts to have the State add Sunset Memorial Park to its list of four currently state-owned cemeteries in Aiea, Kapalama, Alewa Heights, and Makiki are ongoing.  The last time the State took over a cemetery was in 1946.

     It has been reported that the department of commerce and consumer affairs is actively looking for a long-term solution for Sunset Memorial Park and is considering all options.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the director of commerce and consumer affairs, in consultation with the comptroller, to develop strategies for the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of Sunset Memorial Park.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The director of commerce and consumer affairs in consultation with the comptroller shall develop both short-term and long-term strategies for the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of Sunset Memorial Park in Pearl City, Oahu.

     (b)  The director of commerce and consumer affairs shall examine all options for repairing and maintaining Sunset Memorial Park, including the feasibility of having the State take ownership of Sunset Memorial Park.

     (c)  The director of commerce and consumer affairs is requested to submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2017.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.



 

Report Title:

Sunset Memorial Park; Repairs; Maintenance; Cemetery

 

Description:

Requires the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in consultation with the Comptroller to develop strategies for the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of Sunset Memorial Park in Pearl City, Oahu.  Requires a report to the legislature.  (HB1840 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.