Marines to return 57 Native Hawaiian ancestors from Hawaii base
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay plans to return the remains of at least 57 Native Hawaiian ancestors found on their land to the right Native Hawaiian groups starting April 17, 2025. If no one claims the remains by March 18, 2026, they’ll be considered unclaimed. This respectful action affects Native Hawaiian communities and honors their heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Return of at Least 57 Native Hawaiian Remains
If you are a lineal descendant or Native Hawaiian organization, the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) intends to return the physical remains of at least 57 individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry that were discovered at MCBH Kaneohe Bay between 1999 and 2023. The disposition may occur on or after April 17, 2025.
Named Priority Claimants Identified
The notice lists specific individuals, families, and Native Hawaiian organizations (including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Oahu Island Burial Council) that have priority for disposition of the remains. If you are one of the named parties, you are identified as having priority to receive the remains.
Claim Deadline and Unclaimed Status
If no written claim for disposition is received by March 18, 2026, the human remains described will become unclaimed human remains. Disposition may occur on or after April 17, 2025, so claims must be submitted before March 18, 2026 to avoid the remains being declared unclaimed.
Who May File and Proof Requirement
You may file a written claim if you are a lineal descendant or Native Hawaiian organization named in the notice, or if you are not named but can show by a preponderance of the evidence that you have priority for disposition. Requests for joint disposition count as a single request, and MCBH will decide between competing claims before disposition.
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Key Dates
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Previous: 2025-04363, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon/Washington State Office, Prineville District Office, Prineville, OR
The Bureau of Land Management in Oregon has finished checking human remains found in 1962 and confirmed they belong to Native American ancestors. These remains, held by the University of Oregon, can be returned to the related tribes starting April 17, 2025. This step respects Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.
Next: 2025-04365, Notice of Intended Disposition: United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay, Kaneohe Bay, HI
The Marine Corps Base Hawaii found Native Hawaiian human remains at their Kaneohe Bay training area and plans to return them to the right Native Hawaiian groups starting April 17, 2025. If no one claims the remains by March 18, 2026, they’ll be considered unclaimed. This is all part of respecting Native Hawaiian heritage and following important laws.