Funeral homes in Hawaii work under a unique set of rules influenced by the state’s geography, inter-island transportation, and the Hawaii Department of Health requirements. Although Hawaii handles death registration electronically in most locations, certain rural areas still use hybrid processes. The combination of state law and local protocols means funeral homes must pay close attention to the details of each case.

This guide outlines the essential Hawaii Funeral Home Compliance steps for 2025, summarizing the rules for the Death Certificate, cremation approvals, and transport requirements.

Charon Compliance is building a simple tool that helps funeral homes complete Hawaii paperwork automatically. You can join the early access list here!

 

1. Required Paperwork for Funeral Homes in Hawaii

 

Hawaii requires a few core documents before burial, cremation, or transport. The process always begins with the Death Certificate and continues through the Disposition Permit.

 

A. Hawaii Death Certificate

 

The Death Certificate must be completed and filed accurately to allow final disposition.

 

Filing Deadline

 

Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 338-9 requires the Death Certificate to be filed within three days after the death and before final disposition.

 

Filing System

 

Most cases in Hawaii use the Hawaii Electronic Death Registration System, which covers Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Some remote areas may still process documentation through local Department of Health offices where limited electronic access is available.

 

Common Causes of Rejection

 

The most common rejection reasons include missing facility information, incorrect time of death entries, mismatched personal details, and incomplete certifier information. Because the Hawaii system cross-checks fields, even small errors can prevent the certificate from advancing.

 

 

B. Disposition Permit

 

The Disposition Permit is required for burial, cremation, transport between islands, transport to the mainland, or transport out of the country.

 

Requirement

 

The Department of Health issues the permit only after the Death Certificate is filed and accepted.

 

Matching Requirement

 

Every field on the permit must match the Death Certificate. Any difference must be corrected on the Death Certificate before the permit can be re-issued.

 

2. Cremation Requirements in Hawaii

 

Hawaii does not have a statewide statutory waiting period for cremation. However, the cremation process still follows strict procedures.

 

A. No Mandatory Waiting Period

Hawaii does not enforce a state-mandated 48-hour wait. Cremation may occur after:

 

1. The Death Certificate is filed.

2. The Disposition Permit is issued.

3. The Medical Examiner or Coroner releases the body if they have jurisdiction.

 

 

B. Medical Examiner Approval Rules

 

Hawaii requires approval from the appropriate authority when the death falls under:

 

• trauma

• unexpected death

• violence

• suspicious circumstances

• unattended death

• any case requiring a coroner’s investigation

The approval must be secured before cremation and must be included in the case file. This rule is enforced heavily on Oahu under the Department of the Medical Examiner.

 

 

3. Inter-Island and Air Transport Requirements

 

Hawaii’s geography adds extra steps to the paperwork process.

 

A. Inter-Island Transfers

 

Transporting remains from one island to another requires:

 

• the Disposition Permit

• proper air transport documentation

• use of an approved container before airline acceptance

 

Airlines will not accept remains without a completed permit and proper handling instructions.

 

B. Out-of-State Transport

 

For remains leaving Hawaii, the funeral home must ensure:

 

• the Disposition Permit is completed

• shipping or airline requirements are met

• identification materials are complete

• the receiving state’s regulations are followed

 

 

 

4. Filing Deadlines and Requirements

 

Hawaii has clear deadlines that must be met:

 

• Death Certificate: within 3 days after death

• Disposition Permit: before burial, cremation, or transport

• ME or Coroner clearance: before cremation when required

 

Missing the filing deadline delays the permit and the disposition process.

 

 

5. Record Retention Requirements in Hawaii

 

Hawaii requires funeral homes to maintain the following records:

 

• cremation records: at least 2 years

• permits: at least 3 years

• death records and case files: at least 5 years

• preneed contracts: contract period plus 6 years

 

Digital records are acceptable if securely stored and accessible upon request.

 

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6. Automating Hawaii Paperwork with Charon Compliance

 

Hawaii presents unique challenges because of its transport rules and the combination of electronic and local filing systems. The steps often involve redundant data entry, especially for cremation authorizations and transport documents.

Charon Compliance is building a tool that fills out Hawaii’s forms automatically by letting you enter the information one time. The system prepares the Death Certificate demographic data, creates the necessary permit details, and produces the inter-island transport packet. The tool also checks whether Medical Examiner approval is required based on the circumstances of the death.

If you want a faster, more accurate way to manage Hawaii Funeral Home Compliance, you can join the early access list here!