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.
Interested persons are requested to contact the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). Contact information for SHPD is provided on 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 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.
All interested persons having knowledge of the identity or history of these human remains are requested to contact Ms. Regina Hilo, SHPD Burial Site Specialist by May 31, 2025, at 601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 555, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707 (Phone: 808.436.4801, Fax: 808.692.8020, email: regina.hilo@hawaii.gov - the link below will generate an email). All interested parties should file descendancy claim forms and/or provide information to the SHPD that adequately demonstrates lineal descent from these specific human remains or cultural descent from ancestors buried in the same ahupuaʻa or district.