Posted on: Friday, March 4, 2005
Panel to hear disputes over artifacts
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
A federal panel will take up conflicts over Native Hawaiian artifacts from a burial cave at Kawaihae, as well as other disputes over the handling of cultural objects, in a three-day public hearing set to convene March 13 at the East-West Center.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee will meet from 1 to 5 p.m. on March 13 and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 14 and 15 in the center's Keoni Auditorium.
The first day will involve presentations of evidence by the principal parties in each dispute, with public comment on the second day and committee members deciding on their recommendations before adjourning.
The agenda is available at www.cr.nps.gov/nagpra.
The March 13 session will involve three newer complaints filed by the nonprofit organization Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei, which seeks the return to Hawaiian ownership of:
The larger Kawaihae case, in which the hui reburied in the cave 83 objects formerly in the museum collection, will be discussed March 14. One of the competing claimants, the Royal Hawaiian Academy of Traditional Arts, brought its complaint about the incident before the committee in September.
Anyone wishing to schedule a presentation before the committee must submit a written request with an abstract of the presentation and contact information. Individuals also may submit written statements for consideration by the Review Committee during the meeting.
Requests and statements may be mailed to: Designated Federal Officer, NAGPRA Review Committee, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW (2253), Washington, DC 20240. Because increased security in the Washington area may delay mail delivery, copies also should be faxed to (202) 371-5197.
Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.
