Marines to Return Ancient Remains from Hawaiian Base—Bureaucracy Meets Ancestry
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay is planning to return human remains found on federal or tribal lands to the right Native Hawaiian groups or descendants. This respectful action follows important laws to honor Native heritage and will happen soon. If you’re connected to these communities, keep an eye out for updates and possible involvement.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Remains
Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay intends to return human remains removed from Federal or Tribal lands to the lineal descendants, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization listed with priority in this notice. If you are a lineal descendant or represent an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, watch for further notices about how to be involved in the disposition.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
Previous / Next Documents
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 and listing some Native American human remains. They found a connection between these remains and certain Native tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means the remains will be returned to the right communities, following important laws, with no cost to the public and happening soon.
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 at Kaneohe Bay plans to return human remains found on federal or tribal lands to the right Native Hawaiian groups or descendants. This respectful action follows important laws to honor Native heritage and will happen soon. It affects Native Hawaiian communities and shows the Marine Corps’ commitment to doing the right thing.