Posted on: Monday, July 19, 2004

Bishop Museum's claim will be weighed

Advertiser Staff

A panel that monitors a federal law protecting native burials will consider today whether to hear challenges to the Bishop Museum's qualifications as a "Native Hawaiian organization" under the law.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee will meet in a teleconference, with the Honolulu link set up at the Pacific Island Support Office, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. The conference, which is open to the public, is set for 8 to 11 a.m.

Last month museum officials asserted that the Bishop qualifies as a Native Hawaiian organization under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and thus can make claims on cultural objects.

Opponents have said that this new policy runs counter to the intent of the law, which is to enable the return of certain items held by museums and various agencies to the native individuals or groups who can present a valid claim.

The business of today's conference includes electing a committee chair and setting the agenda for the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18-19 in Washington, D.C.

Written statements for the committee's consideration can be addressed to Tim McKeown by e-mail at tim-mckeown@nps.gov. For information call Melia Lane-Kamahale at 541-2693, ext. 729.