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.
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.
2026-16388, 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.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22900, Notice of Inventory Completion: Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The Arizona State Museum has finished checking its collection and found one Native American individual’s remains and a ceramic pitcher linked to local tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these items can be returned to the right Native community. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and follow the law.
Next: 2025-22902, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Indianapolis Museum of Art, Inc. D.B.A. Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Museum of Art, also known as Newfields, plans to return 11 Native American cultural items like scepters and effigies to the tribes connected to them. These items were found in Tennessee and Kentucky and will be repatriated starting January 15, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American traditions and strengthens cultural ties without any cost impact.