HomeMy WebLinkAboutBurial Procedures - Rural Cemetery 4-26
Department of Parks and Recreation
BURIAL PROCEDURE FOR RURAL CEMETERY
101 Pauahi Street – Suite 6 Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 808-961-8311 Email: cemetery@hawaiicounty.gov
P&R – Rev 04/2026 County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
If working with a local mortuary, the FUNERAL DIRECTOR can submit all paperwork and permits required,
coordinate burial reservaƟons with the Cemetery Clerk and recommend grave laborers.
1. Burial ApplicaƟon:
a. A Burial ApplicaƟon is obtained from the Department of Parks & RecreaƟon.
b. Schedule a burial date and Ɵme with the Cemetery Clerk at 808-961-8311.
c. The Burial ApplicaƟon including required documents must be received no later than 5 business
days prior to the burial. Otherwise, the burial reservaƟon will be cancelled.
2. Burial Permit(s): Call the State of Hawaii, Department of Health for more informaƟon - 808-974-6008
a. All BODY BURIALS require a Burial Transit Permit or DisposiƟon Permit.
b. A Disinterment Permit is required to open an exisƟng plot of a BODY BURIAL. It is not required if
the exisƟng plot holds only cremains.
1. Required for URN BURIALS over previous casket burials.
2. The burial CANNOT proceed without this permit. See a local mortuary or schedule an
appointment with the Cemetery Clerk at the Parks and RecreaƟon Office.
3. Plot Payment
a. There is no fee for the plot.
b. The decedent must be a present or former resident of the County of Hawaii.
4. Grave Labor - Opening and Closing of Plot/ Headstones
a. All grave labor will be provided by the family
b. Headstones are provided and installed by the family. A Release of Claims form is required from
everyone performing labor, including minors.
c. If hiring a professional, they must have a cerƟficate of insurance submiƩed to the cemetery clerk
with the County of Hawaii as addiƟonal insured. See cemetery clerk for more informaƟon.
5. DecoraƟons, Offerings and Maintenance
a. It is the responsibility of the family to maintain within the plot boundaries. Park Maintenance
staff maintain the grounds and walkways.
b. No plants shall be grown on the grave site. However, poƩed plants are allowed if they do not
exceed 2 feet in height.
c. All decoraƟons, monuments and offerings must be kept within the boundaries of the plot.
DecoraƟons and offerings will be removed at the discreƟon of the cemetery maintenance staff.