Press Releases
Public consultation on review of columbarium policy launched
The Government today (July 6) launched a public consultation to solicit
views on a package of short, medium and long-term proposals relating to
columbarium policy. The consultation exercise will last for about three
months until September 30.
Introducing the Review of Columbarium Policy to the Panel on Food Safety and
Environmental Hygiene of the Legislative Council today, the Secretary for
Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said the Government would like to listen to
the public's views on two key issues - how to increase the supply of
columbarium facilities; and how to enhance regulation of private columbaria.
To increase the supply of columbarium facilities, the Government proposes to
introduce a district-based columbarium development scheme.
Dr Chow said: "Columbaria are essential facilities for the community, but
they are normally not welcomed by local communities. To achieve a
breakthrough in this difficult situation, we call on various sectors of the
community to support the sharing of the responsibility to accommodate
columbarium facilities in each district."
Dr Chow said that the Government would make its best efforts to reduce local
resistance, including improving the outlook and layout of columbarium
facilities through flexible design, in order to ease the concern and anxiety
of neighbouring residents.
Meanwhile, the Government will explore further the feasibility of building
additional columbarium facilities in existing cemeteries and will step up
its efforts to identify suitable sites for the development of columbarium
facilities across the territory. The Government has initially identified 12
potential sites in seven districts which may be used for columbarium
development and is studying their feasibility and suitability for such use.
"Columbaria are essential facilities for the community. Construction of
public columbaria is not a task that can be accomplished overnight. We
appeal to the Legislative Council, District Councils and local residents for
their understanding and support in assisting the Government to implement the
columbarium development projects in a speedy manner," Dr Chow said.
The consultation document sets out proposals on alternative ways to handle
cremains and pay tribute to the deceased, such as scattering cremains in
Gardens of Remembrance or designated Hong Kong waters as well as the
Internet memorial service. In addition, there are proposals to facilitate
the transformation of our social customs to enable sustainable development
of columbarium facilities. These include ways to maximise the use of
existing niches; introduction of time-limited leases; and the launch of an
incentive scheme for the return of public niches, etc. Members of the public
are invited to put forward their views and ideas in this regard.
Dr Chow said the Government would study the introduction of a licensing
system through legislation to enhance regulation of private columbaria.
"However, this is a very complicated and sensitive issue, and if found
feasible, is not something that can be completed within a short period of
time," he explained.
Dr Chow considered that a licensing scheme that is excessively stringent
will impede the healthy development of the trade, reduce the overall supply
of columbarium facilities and lengthen the waiting time for niches. On the
other hand, a lax licensing scheme may not effectively curb the
proliferation of unauthorised private columbaria.
"Striking the right balance is by no means easy. The Government must handle
the matter carefully to ensure that the scope and level of regulation under
the licensing scheme would be appropriate," he added.
Meanwhile, to help those who are considering purchasing private columbarium
facilities to make informed choices, the Government will publicise
information on the private columbaria known to the Lands Department and the
Planning Department, including information on whether such facilities occupy
government land illegally as well as whether they are in compliance with the
land leases and statutory planning requirements. The information will be
uploaded onto Government websites for public viewing and will be updated
from time to time.
Dr Chow reminded consumers who intend to purchase columbarium niches to
ascertain whether private columbaria has compiled with the requirements of
relevant legislation and land leases. Those which do not would be considered
unauthorised columbaria.
"Members of the public should exercise caution and seek to understand the
relevant information about the columbaria and niches that they intend to
patronise. Consumers are advised not to make any purchasing decisions rashly
if they are uncertain whether the columbaria in question are authorised or
not, and should consult professional opinions where necessary.
"In case there is a practical need to patronise unauthorised private
columbaria, they should consider using the columbaria niches only for
temporary storage of the ancestors' cremains by way of, for example, leasing
arrangements so as to retain some flexibility for themselves as consumers.
"I would like to point out in particular to developers and operators of
private columbaria that as the Government will enhance regulation of private
columbaria, they are strongly advised against establishing columbarium
facilities with a speculative intent at this stage and deliberately
disregarding the legislative requirements and conditions in the land leases.
"If unauthorised developments and operations are found or there are cases of
buyers being misled, the authorities will deal with the matter in accordance
with the law," he said.
The consultation document has set out details of the proposed licensing
scheme, including licensing conditions, powers of the licensing authority,
arrangements for pre-existing private columbaria, etc.
According to the Government's preliminary proposal, all private columbaria
would be subject to the licensing scheme. They include those in existence
before the enactment date of the new legislation. Operators of private
columbaria subject to the licensing scheme should be required to obtain a
licence or temporary exemption. Storage of cremains at home or in an
ancestral hall (where no charge is involved) should not be covered. However,
funeral parlours, undertakers of burials, religious institutions (e.g.
temples and monasteries) and columbaria run by charitable organisations
providing services involving a charge either on a commercial or
not-for-profit basis should be covered by the new legislation.
Given the population structure of Hong Kong, Dr Chow said that there should
be scope for the healthy development of the columbarium market. He urged the
developers and operators of private columbaria to strictly comply with the
relevant legislative requirements as well as conditions in the land leases;
and for the unauthorised columbaria, application for regularisation should
be made as soon as possible.
Copies of the consultation document can be downloaded from the website of
the Food and Health Bureau (www.fhb.gov.hk),
and will be available for collection at district offices in mid-July. Views
and comments should be sent to the Food Division of the Food and Health
Bureau: by post to 20/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong; by email
to ccc@fhb.gov.hk; or by fax to 2136
3281, by September 30, 2010.
Ends/Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:13
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