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.
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04048, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
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.
Next: 2026-04050, Notice of Inventory Completion: Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums, Garvies Point Museum & Preserve, Glen Cove, NY
The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums at Garvies Point Museum has finished checking their collection and found Native American human remains from a site in New York. Starting April 1, 2026, these remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no cost or delays expected.