Hawai'i University Offers Unaffiliated Native Remains for Repatriation
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu found human remains of three people but couldn’t link them to any Native Hawaiian group or tribe. Starting April 20, 2026, anyone interested can request to have these remains returned. No money is involved, but the university is making sure everything follows the rules and respects history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
You can request repatriation starting April 20, 2026
If you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization, you may submit a written request to have the three human remains repatriated starting April 20, 2026. To get the remains, you must show by a preponderance of the evidence that you are an eligible lineal descendant or a culturally affiliated Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; if there are competing requests the University of Hawai'i–West Oʻahu will decide which requestor is most appropriate, and joint requests count as a single request.
University found no cultural affiliation for three remains
The University of Hawai'i–West Oʻahu completed an inventory identifying human remains representing at least three individuals, found no associated funerary objects or provenance records, and determined there is no identified lineal descendant or Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation. The University notes the remains may be of Native Hawaiian or Native American ancestry but did not identify a tribe or organization that can be reasonably affiliated.
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