Hawaii National Park Plans to Give Away Property—What Happens Next?
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Park Service at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park found a single Native Hawaiian human bone after a big surf event in January 2025. They plan to return these remains to the right Native Hawaiian groups starting January 15, 2026, unless no one claims them by December 16, 2026. This is all part of respecting Native Hawaiian heritage and following important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Named Native Hawaiian Groups Have Priority
If you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or one of the Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice (including Office of Hawaiian Affairs and several named ʻOhana groups), you have priority to claim the single human bone found at Keoneʻele Cove. Disposition to a claimant may occur on or after January 15, 2026.
Deadline: Claim or Remains Become Unclaimed
You must submit a written claim for disposition by December 16, 2026 to retain priority; if no claim is received by that date, the human remains will become unclaimed. Claims must be sent to Paul Scolari at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (P.O. Box 129, Honaunau, HI 96726) or the email listed in the notice.
Joint Claims and Competing Claim Resolution
If multiple parties submit claims, the park must determine the most appropriate claimant before disposition; claims filed jointly are treated as a single claim and are not considered competing claims. This affects how competing or joint claims for the remains will be resolved prior to disposition.
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