Building over burial sites in Hawaii

A court battle is being waged in Hawaii to decide whether a house may be built over burial sites.  Here is a summary of the situation based on Diana Leone, Iwi lawsuit on Kauai may be felt statewide alter state legislation, Honolulu Advertiser, Sept. 5, 2008:

• Joseph Brescia is building a house on a beachfront lot on the north shore of Kaua’i.
• During the building process, 30 Native Hawaiian (iwi) remains were discovered.
• Jeff Chandler wants construction of the house stopped.
• Originally, a local burial council ruled that the remains must be preserved in place.
• A division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources overturned the burial council’s decision.
• Brescia agreed to place cement caps over the burials located under his house which is built on pillars.