NY Museum Ships Pesticide-Tainted Pipes Back to Hawaiian Tribes
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return 10 Hawaiian Items
The American Museum of Natural History intends to return 10 Native Hawaiian cultural items (one wood pipe section, one burial kapa/bark cloth, two cordage samples, two kapa samples, and four sticks) that are affiliated with the Hui Iwi Kuamo. Repatriation may occur on or after April 1, 2026; lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests showing affiliation and the museum will resolve competing or joint requests.
Handling Warning for Pesticide-Treated Items
Museum records show that the institution formerly used potentially hazardous pesticides on collection items but do not identify exactly which objects or chemicals were treated. People who handle these objects should follow advice from industrial hygienists or medical personnel trained in occupational health or hazardous substances.
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