Sunset Memorial Park - problems increase

[Amati]

Sunset Memorial Park (Cemetery) in Pearl City is in the news again. Families continue to try to improve the cemetery, the maintenance of which has been seemingly abandoned-by-the-cemetery-owners. Over the years, there are graves that are sinking, and the columbarium is falling apart and dangerous.

Finally it has come to this, as reported by KHON News:

".... her family were in disbelief when they visited the cemetery a couple of days ago. A group of homeless people had set up camp over the graves of their father, uncle, and their aunt."

Whaaattt??

Volunteers have offered to help over the years, "But they can’t do anything because of liability issues".

Rep. Gregg Takayama, public safety committee chairman, says he plans to introduce a bill to address that, as well as get the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to put together a long-term plan for the cemetery, and allow the state to tap into the cemetery’s trust fund.

He plans on introducing the bill next week. It's an issue that can be influenced by the public's demanding that the state step up to help remedy the problem, instead of letting the conditions worsen each year.

Homeless ..... living in a cemetery ..... in Hawaii?? How sad that our state allows that to happen.

[Amati]

Re: Sunset Memorial Park - problems increase

Rep Takayama has introduced HB 1245, and it has gone through the first of three hearings. There is also SB 1113, which has not been scheduled yet for any hearing.

Here is the description of the purpose of the act:

(1) 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;
(2) Authorize the director of commerce and consumer affairs to access the Sunset Memorial Trust Fund to pay for the repair and maintenance of the cemetery; and
(3) Limit liability for persons maintaining or repairing cemetery grounds.

Is there enough momentum by the community to help push this bill into law? How many families of interred will speak up?
Is it up to the taxpayers to support privately owned cemeteries?
Do taxpayers see the need to help financially?