Better Consumer Protection needed regarding the disposition of surgical implants following cremation in Hawaii

Dear Editor,    April 13, 2026

Legislators should address the need for better transparency regarding the disposition of surgical implants following cremation in Hawaii. 

Offering improvement, SB525, HB565, and SCR44 were introduced and failed to pass during the 2025 Legislative session.  Subsequently, the Funeral and Cemetery Association of Hawaii reaffirmed and strengthened its policy to retain full control over how it addresses the disposition issue.

SEE: Funeral and Cemetery Association of Hawaii policy

The current policy is neither in the best interest of the public nor in keeping with national guidelines.   A preferred approach is for two options following informed consent from a designated family representative:

(1) Return any and all metal surgical implants to the family if they request them. OR

(2) Request that any and all revenue generated from surgical implants be donated to independent charity organizations in Hawaii.

This troubling situation does not reflect transparency, consumer protection, effective oversight or public trust.

Thank you,

Cullen T. Hayashida, Ph.D.

University of Hawaii at Manoa - Affiliate Faculty -  Center on Aging & School of Nursing/Dental Hygiene

See: Column: Improve Hawaii laws on disposition of metals after cremation | Honolulu Star-Advertiser