Waikiki Aquarium Burial Consultation
This web page provides information regarding human remains discovered at the Waikiki Aquarium and describes the procedures that will be followed for determining the appropriate disposition of the remains.
Persons interested in participating in consultation regarding a Burial Treatment Plan (BTP) should contact Pacific Consulting Services, Inc. (PCSI). Contact information for PCSI is provided at the bottom of this web page.
Background Information
The Waikiki Aquarium is improving its systems for managing the water needed to properly care for the animals in the aquarium. As part of that work, the University of Hawaii (UH) is conducting an Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS) to identify any previously unknown archaeological resources that may be affected by construction of the water management systems.
During the course of the AIS, human remains have been discovered in excavations for the planned underground piping. All work has been stopped in the vicinity of the discoveries, and UH has begun efforts to consult with the SHPD, the Oahu Island Burial Council (OIBC), and all interested parties to determine the most appropriate way to protect the remains.
Additional Background Information
Request for Consultation
Per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 6E-43, and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 13-300, the remains discovered at the aquarium are believed to be over 50 years old and believed to be Native Hawaiian. Records indicate that the human remains are within the ʻili of Kāneloa, which was returned by Aaron Kealiʻiahonui at the Māhele and retained by the Crown. There are no recorded Land Commission Awards (LCA) within the project area.
The decision to preserve in place or relocate the human remains will be made by the O‘ahu Island Burial Council (OIBC) in consultation with the SHPD and recognized lineal and/or cultural descendants (HAR §13-300-33). Appropriate treatment will occur in accordance with HAR §13-300-38.
The University met with the OIBC at the Council's May 14, 2025 public meeting to discuss this effort. Public notices for consultation were published in May of 2025, and SHPD has identified recognized lineal and/or cultural descendants with whom consultation may proceed. SHPD and UH have authorized PCSI to begin consultation with interested parties to assist in developing a Burial Treatment Plan (BTP) for this project. Any additional parties wishing to consult on this project should contact PCSI as soon as possible, and no later than July 21, 2025.
All interested persons are requested to contact Douglas Hazelwood at PCSI, 1130 North Nimitz Highway, Suite C300, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (email doug@pcsihawaii.com, telephone (808) 546-5557). The link below will generate an email to PCSI.