Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Assess Its Readiness And Ability To Assume Stewardship Of The Sacred Hawaiian Grounds Of Mauna Ala.
Summary
SCR167 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to study whether it is ready and able to assume stewardship of Mauna Ala, the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii. The resolution recounts the mausoleum’s historical role as the burial place of the Hawaiian monarchy and notes that the State, through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), currently maintains the site. It also references community involvement by Hawaiian civic clubs, royal societies, Kamehameha Schools, and others in caring for the grounds.
The resolution is prompted by concerns over recent stewardship and governance issues, including the disallowance of ceremonies that had long been part of tradition and broader questions about a possible transfer of the site from DLNR to OHA. It asks OHA to assess its readiness, submit findings and recommendations, and propose any needed legislation by twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session. It also requests OHA to develop public education programs about Mauna Ala’s history and cultural significance, while asking DLNR to draft stewardship guidelines that incorporate Hawaiian ʻike and traditional kuleana practices.
Impact
SCR167 does not itself change state law or transfer authority over Mauna Ala; instead, it directs a study and related reporting, making it a nonbinding request to OHA and DLNR. Its practical impact is to advance policy development around the future stewardship of the Royal Mausoleum, potentially laying groundwork for later legislation concerning management, governance, or transfer of the site. It also encourages the creation of educational programming and stewardship guidelines that could influence how the state and OHA approach culturally significant lands and historic preservation.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is supportive of greater Native Hawaiian involvement and more culturally grounded stewardship of Mauna Ala. The bill’s findings emphasize respect for the site’s sacred and historical importance, the need for transparency, and the desire to improve care of the grounds. At the same time, the context suggests the issue is politically sensitive, with some organizations distrustful of OHA and others dissatisfied with DLNR’s current stewardship, indicating a mix of support, concern, and caution.
Contention
The main points of contention are who should control or steward Mauna Ala and whether OHA is the right entity to assume that role. The resolution notes opposition to a related proposal, S.B. No. 4 (2025), and highlights both distrust of OHA by some groups and dissatisfaction with DLNR’s current performance by others. Another source of dispute is the handling of ceremonies and traditions at the Royal Mausoleum, which raised concerns about whether current governance adequately respects longstanding Hawaiian cultural practices. Transparency around the proposed transfer is also identified as a major issue.
Same As
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Assess Its Readiness And Ability To Assume Stewardship Of The Sacred Hawaiian Grounds Of Mauna Ala.
Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.