Informing the Legislature that on June 28, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3154 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 129).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 28, 2024, clarifies and strengthens the rules for regulating archaeological activities in Hawaii. It directly affects individuals and companies involved in land development, excavation, or any work that might disturb historic sites, aviation artifacts, or burial grounds. The key provision establishes that it is a violation for anyone to disturb these sites on private or state-owned land without first obtaining written permission from the landowner or approval from the relevant state department. Additionally, the law mandates that anyone who accidentally finds a burial site must stop work immediately and report the discovery, while also requiring strict adherence to approved plans for preserving and monitoring these sites.