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Spreading of Ashes Question.

post #1 of 12
2/21/06 at 8:22pm
Thread Starter 
I have looked it up and I know it is legal to transport cremated remains to the USA as long as the container can be X-rayed.

What I can't find though is if it's legal in the state of Hawaii to spread the ashes.

Does anyone here know if it's legal or not and under what circumstances either way?
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post #2 of 12
2/21/06 at 8:26pm
Don't know if it's legal, but some of my great aunt's ashes were spread around Maui.
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post #3 of 12
2/21/06 at 9:05pm
Here are some places that might know, although they may charge money for their services:
http://www.oahucemetery.org/cremation.html
http://www.alohascattering.com/homepage.html
http://volcanogallery.com/ashesinparadise/

My condolences.
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post #4 of 12
2/21/06 at 9:08pm
Here's a professional scattering service (mountain or sea), so I assume it must be legal:

http://www.alohascattering.com/


Edit - looks like Chris posted while I was still searching.

I hope you find a simple solution to your need.
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post #5 of 12
2/21/06 at 10:32pm
My guess is that regulations, if any, will be from an environmental perspective, so I'd look at website of the local office of the EPA (if there's one), or the state equivalent.

When my grandmother passed away in Germany, the funeral and cremation were held there, and the German authorities wanted something official confirming that I would be able to bring the ashes into Singapore, before allowing me to take them out of Germany, so I got a letter from the Ministry of the Environment stating that there was no prohibition, and no requirement for any formal permit (unlike say bringing home a body). Not quite the same thing, but might point you in the right direction.
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post #6 of 12
2/22/06 at 12:49am
Thread Starter 
Well judging by the fact that there are businesses that do this, I am thinking that it must not be illegal.
I have emailed the crematorium and asked them just to be sure.

Thank you for the condolences.
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post #7 of 12
2/22/06 at 9:13am
Quote:
Well judging by the fact that there are businesses that do this, I am thinking that it must not be illegal.
I don't mean any disrespect by this comparison, but it might be similar to dumping trash. It's illegal to do it yourself (i.e. anywhere you want), but there are businesses that will let you dump trash in their area.

What I mean is, just because there are businesses that allow it, that doesn't mean it's legal to do it yourself. There are probably permits and laws that must be obtained and observed in order to do it. Definitely check all aspects out before proceeding.

Considering the emotional aspect of what you're going to do, the last thing you want is to get in trouble or arrested for it.

Hopefully everything does work out for you though.
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post #8 of 12
2/22/06 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Mark,
I know exactly what you mean and right after I wrote that I thought the same thing but it was very late and I was about to go to bed.
I did find this though on that oahucemetary site which in my opinion (and you guys can tell me if I'm reading it wrong) sounds like it's ok to do it.
Quote:
Burial Permit - In Hawaii, a "Burial Transit Permit," issued by the Department of Health, is required for human remains to be cremated or buried. The mortuary or cremation service provider is usually responsible for obtaining this permit. A permit is not required for the inurnment or scattering of ashes.
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post #9 of 12
2/22/06 at 12:56pm
Richard, it sounds like a complicated matter. Some of the posts I've searched for said that it is illegal to spread ashes, and some say it isn't.

This site had some interesting info:
http://www.nps.gov/havo/manage/remains.htm

It sounds like there are places where a permit isn't required and it is quite legal, but it also seems like there are definitely areas where it is illegal or requires a permit.

I guess it all depends on where you plan on doing it.
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post #10 of 12
3/22/08 at 2:41am

Re: Spreading of Ashes Question.

The scattering of cremated human remains in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park should be planned as a small private affair, held away from high visitor use areas. You are welcome to hold your ceremony anywhere the general public may go, with the exception of Halema`uma`u Crater as it is a location of high visitation and a sacred site to many Native Hawaiians
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post #11 of 12
3/22/08 at 8:01am

Re: Spreading of Ashes Question.

Quote:
Q: Is a permit required for scattering of ashes at sea? Who do I call?

A: For scattering of ashes that will not involve a large crowd and a number of vessels, no permit is required. The State Dept. of Health considers cremated remains are not a health hazard in the marine environment, when scattered prudently without creating a nuisance. Out of courtesy for other ocean users, DLNR asks that the ashes be dispersed at sea beyond the reef line. We suggest that loose flowers be scattered instead of leis, as marine animals could become sick from eating the strings of the leis.

If a large event is planned for scattering of ashes, please contact Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation at 587-1963 in advance (14 days in advance, if possible) for an ocean event permit. There is no cost. The purpose is to assure that ocean uses do not conflict at a given time or location.

If you are staging your event at a county park, please contact that county's Division of Parks and Recreation.

State of Hawaii - Department of Land & Natural Resources

So it sounds like you'll need to have an idea of where you plan to scatter the ashes and then contact (or check the website) of the county involved.

Regards,

Joe
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post #12 of 12
3/22/08 at 12:02pm

Re: Spreading of Ashes Question.

> I guess it all depends on where you plan on doing it.

Or more realistically, who is around when you're doing it.
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