San Francisco Museums to Return Four Sacred Hawaiian Heirlooms
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco plans to return four sacred Hawaiian cultural items—a pendant and three feathered leis—to their rightful family starting November 23, 2026. These items were gifted in 1977 and are important for Native Hawaiian religious traditions. This repatriation honors Native Hawaiian heritage and respects the wishes of the lineal descendant connected to these treasures.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four Hawaiian Sacred Items Returned
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco intends to return four sacred Hawaiian cultural items—one niho palaoa (pendant) and three lei hulu (feathered leis)—to a connected lineal descendant. The items were a gift to the museum in 1977 and the museum determined they are needed for present-day traditional Native Hawaiian religious practice; repatriation may occur on or after November 23, 2026.
Open Claim Process for Repatriation Requests
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are the lineal descendant or culturally affiliated organization. If competing requests are received, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; repatriation may occur on or after November 23, 2026.
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