Fact-Check: "Governor Josh Green has signed a bill that many Kanaka Maoli and preservation advocates say endangers sacred burial grounds and historic sites."
What We Know
The claim that Governor Josh Green has signed a bill endangering sacred burial grounds and historic sites is supported by several sources. A recent Civil Beat article reported that preservationists criticized the governor's decision to approve a measure that allegedly removes protections for historic places and burial sites. This sentiment is echoed in a News from the States article, which states that the bill "opens the door for virtually unchecked destruction of Hawaiian historic and cultural sites," including areas where iwi (burial remains) are located.
Additionally, a testimony from Dawn N.S. Chang, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, highlighted concerns regarding the management of burial sites and the potential conflicts of interest arising from the dual responsibilities of the State Historic Preservation Division. This suggests that there are ongoing discussions about the adequacy of protections for these sites.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple credible sources, including news articles and official testimonies. The articles from Civil Beat and News from the States provide direct quotes from critics of the bill, indicating a strong opposition from preservationists and Kanaka Maoli advocates. The language used in these articles, such as "unchecked destruction" and "imperils historic places," underscores the gravity of the concerns raised.
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of these sources. Civil Beat is known for its investigative journalism focused on local issues in Hawaii, which may lend credibility to its reporting. On the other hand, the emotional language used by critics could reflect a heightened sensitivity to the issue, which is valid but may also influence the framing of the narrative.
The official testimony from the Board of Land and Natural Resources provides a governmental perspective on the issue, indicating that there are recognized conflicts in managing historic and burial sites. This adds a layer of complexity to the claim, as it suggests that the state acknowledges the challenges in balancing development and preservation.
Despite the strong opposition to the bill, it is crucial to note that the claim remains somewhat unverified in terms of specific details about the bill's provisions and the extent of the potential threats to sacred sites. While the concerns are valid and echoed by multiple sources, the lack of detailed legislative text in the public domain limits a comprehensive evaluation of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that Governor Josh Green has signed a bill endangering sacred burial grounds and historic sites is supported by credible reports from various sources. However, the specifics of the bill and its implications remain unclear, leading to a conclusion of "unverified." The concerns raised by preservation advocates are significant and warrant further investigation, but without additional details on the bill's content and its direct impact, the claim cannot be fully substantiated.
Sources
- DLNR News Release – Enforcement Measures Increasing as Sacred Falls Remains Closed
- JOSH GREEN, M.D. BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ...
- GOV.MSG.no. 141^
- Newly Signed Bill Imperils Historic Places and Burial Sites, ...
- Kanaka Advocates Demand Stronger Protections for Kupuna ...
- Newly Signed Bill Imperils Historic Places and Burial Sites, ...
- Page 1 Testimony of DAWN N. S. CHANG Chairperson Before ...
- Kanaka Maoli - Take Action on Change.org
