Lines have been drawn in the earth at the Kaka'ako site of a Ward Centers project, boundaries that under the best of circumstances are meant to preserve the dignity of human remains that have been exposed during construction.

Those with an interest in the issue — which includes everyone at some level — can only hope that these markings don't harden into battle lines.

So far, 11 sets of ancient Hawaiian burial remains have been disturbed in the construction of the $100 million expansion of Ward Village Shops, a development that will include a Whole Foods Market, rental apartments, shops and a parking complex.

People who have documented their descent from residents of the district who could have been buried in the area (defined in the state burials law as "cultural descendants") want the project redesigned so the remains can be left in place rather than reburied elsewhere.

The decision on whether this request could be reasonably accommodated will be made by the state Historic Preservation Division, which has been woefully shortstaffed. Additional descendants may wish to weigh in. The process of verifying their descent and hearing more details about the case could extend decisionmaking beyond the prescribed 45-day window.

Judging by the complexity and volatility of previous conflicts — the still-festering dispute over the Wal-Mart burials leaps to mind — this hitch could calcify and become an impasse. The remains unearthed at the Wal-Mart Ke'eaumoku site are still entombed in a trailer on the grounds of the superstore complex after two years.

To whatever extent is possible, given its staffing limitations, the state division should expedite the review of testimony and come to a reasoned decision without delay. All parties should work toward finding a respectful conclusion to the disagreement. In some cases, reburials have taken place with dignity.

Surely, any end would be preferable to leaving human remains in limbo during disputes among the living that seem interminable.