Burial Cave Pipe Heads Home from NY Museum to Hawaii
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collections and found a special smoking pipe linked to Native Hawaiian culture from a burial cave in Hawaii. Starting April 1, 2026, this item can be returned to the Native Hawaiian community. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural objects, with no money involved but lots of care and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Hawaiian group can request return
The American Museum of Natural History has identified a smoking pipe from Kukinumi (Kukui Umi) Cave, Hawaiʻi (burial dated about 1860–1870) as culturally affiliated with the Hui Iwi Kuamo`o. Repatriation of this associated funerary object may occur on or after April 1, 2026, and requests may be submitted by the identified Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations or by lineal descendants who show cultural affiliation; the museum received the pipe as part of an accession sold in 1946.
Handle object with pesticide caution
Museum records show past use of potentially hazardous pesticides on collections, and the museum advises that those handling this pipe follow the advice of industrial hygienists or medical personnel trained in occupational health or hazardous substances. This is a handling and safety advisory related to the object now eligible for repatriation.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04047 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento, CA
The California Department of Parks and Recreation plans to return 29 cultural items linked to Native American tribes, including tools and artifacts found in Eldorado County. This repatriation will start on or after April 1, 2026, honoring Native heritage and respecting tribal connections. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in preserving history and culture.
Next: 2026-04049 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History in New York plans to return 10 Native Hawaiian cultural items, like wood pipes and bark cloth, to the right tribes starting April 1, 2026. These items were collected long ago and need careful handling due to past pesticide use. This repatriation honors Native Hawaiian heritage and follows important laws protecting cultural treasures.