Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeHawaii cremation rate is one of the highest in the nation

Hawaii cremation rate is one of the highest in the nation

HONOLULU (KHNL) - The recession has hit hard not only those living in Hawaii, but those dying here too.

A difficult economy is forcing changes to final farewells.

As many families struggle to make ends meet, others are forced to find cheaper alternatives to costly funerals.

Because of the high cost of land, and even a cemetery plot, Hawaii has one of the highest rates of cremation in the nation.

And as more people stretch their dollars, more are also turning to this final choice for their families.

After a loved one dies, it can be a very difficult and emotional time.

And it can also be a very tough financial one.

"A basic funeral is $4000. If someone comes to have a no frills cremation its about $700, that's a significant savings," said Claus Hansen of Moanalua Mortuary.

Because many people don't plan for this eventuality, when it happens, they are not prepared for the expense.

So, like with other goods and services, the advice is to shop around or at least call to get price quotes.

You can also look at less expensive options for funerals.

As the memory of a loved one lives on, many struggling in this economy don't want the bills from a funeral to live on as well.