The popular HGTV home renovation series Renovation Aloha has found itself embroiled in a significant legal controversy following the discovery of human ancestral remains, known as iwi kūpuna, on a property undergoing renovation in Hilo, Hawaii. The incident, captured in an episode titled “Bones on the Big Island,” has ignited a legal battle involving the state of Hawaii, the show’s producers, and the network, highlighting the deep cultural and legal sensitivities surrounding the burial sites of Native Hawaiian ancestors.
Unearthing Sacred Ancestors: A Cultural and Legal Minefield
The episode documented hosts Kamohai and Trysten Kalama, a husband-and-wife renovation team, working on a dilapidated property on the Big Island. During the renovation process, the crew stumbled upon human skeletal remains. The discovery was met with shock by Kamohai Kalama, who was heard exclaiming, “Holy crap, there’s bones back here.” Crucially, despite the gravity of the find, the cameras continued to roll, and preview clips of the discovery were disseminated on social media platforms, escalating the situation into a legal and cultural crisis.
Under Hawaii law, the disturbance and broadcast of iwi kūpuna are strictly prohibited. These remains are considered deeply sacred to the Native Hawaiian community, representing a direct connection to their ancestors and cultural heritage. The state’s Attorney General’s office moved swiftly to address the unauthorized dissemination of the footage, filing for a temporary restraining order in an attempt to prevent further broadcasting. However, court documents obtained by Honolulu Civil Beat indicate that these efforts did not ultimately prevent the episode from airing as initially scheduled.
Legal Action and Official Response
The legal complaint, filed on Tuesday, April 14, in Hawaii’s Third Circuit, named Kamohai and Trysten Kalama, HGTV, producer Nathan Fields, and Discovery Inc. as defendants. Deputy Attorney General Miranda Steed articulated the state’s position in the court filing, stating, “The broadcast of footage depicting iwi kūpuna on national television causes profound and irreparable harm to the Native Hawaiian community, to the State’s interest in protecting its cultural resources, and to the dignity and sanctity of the ancestors whose remains were depicted.” This statement underscores the immense cultural significance attached to these ancestral remains and the perceived violation of sacred trust by their public broadcast.
In response to the burgeoning controversy, HGTV issued a statement to Deadline, acknowledging the seriousness of the concerns raised by the Native Hawaiian community. “We take the concerns raised by the Native Hawaiian community very seriously and are committed to ensuring our programming is respectful and appropriate,” the spokesperson said. “We apologize to anyone who found any part of the episode offensive, as that was not HGTV’s intention.” The network also confirmed that the episode had been re-edited to remove the footage of the remains for all subsequent airings and on all platforms, demonstrating a commitment to rectifying the situation post-broadcast.
The Kalama’s Perspective and Cultural Protocols
The Kalama family, who are central to the Renovation Aloha series, have spoken out about the incident, seeking to clarify their actions and reaffirm their respect for Hawaiian culture. In an Instagram Live session, they explained that they had followed the protocols they were aware of at the time of the discovery. They emphasized that their intention was never to build on the property where the remains were found and that they had made the decision not to develop the lot out of respect for the ancestors. Following the discovery, the site was also blessed by a community elder, a significant gesture within Hawaiian tradition. It is important to note that the Kalama’s, as hosts, do not hold editorial control over the series, a point they have stressed in their public statements.
The Renovation Aloha series itself is designed to showcase the revitalization of dilapidated properties on the Big Island, with the Kalama’s, aided by their extended family, transforming challenging homes into functional and beautiful family residences. The premise of the show is rooted in honoring the heritage of Hawaii while embracing modern renovation techniques. The discovery of iwi kūpuna presented a stark contrast to the show’s generally positive and community-focused narrative.
Chronology of Events
Early April 2023 (approximate): Filming takes place on a property in Hilo, Big Island, for an episode of HGTV’s Renovation Aloha. During renovation, human ancestral remains (iwi kūpuna) are discovered.
Mid-April 2023: The discovery is documented and included in the episode "Bones on the Big Island." Preview clips of the discovery are posted on social media.
April 14, 2023: The episode "Bones on the Big Island" airs on HGTV, featuring the discovery of the remains.
Around April 14-18, 2023: The Hawaii Attorney General’s office initiates legal action, filing for a temporary restraining order to prevent the dissemination of the footage.
April 18, 2023: A formal complaint is filed in Hawaii’s Third Circuit, naming HGTV, Discovery Inc., producer Nathan Fields, and hosts Kamohai and Trysten Kalama.
Post-April 18, 2023: HGTV re-edits the episode, removing the footage of the remains for future airings and platforms. The Kalama family addresses the incident via Instagram Live, emphasizing their respect for Hawaiian culture.
Broader Implications and Cultural Preservation
This incident brings to the forefront the complex intersection of modern media production and the preservation of indigenous cultural heritage. The discovery of iwi kūpuna is not an uncommon occurrence in Hawaii, given the island chain’s long history and the traditional burial practices of its people. However, the public broadcast of such discoveries, especially on a national television platform, raises significant ethical and legal questions.
The state’s swift legal response reflects a growing awareness and commitment to protecting Native Hawaiian cultural resources. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 6E, for instance, provides for the protection of historic properties, including burial sites. The law mandates that any discovery of human remains must be reported to the appropriate authorities, and further action, such as archaeological surveys and potential reburial, must be undertaken with cultural sensitivity and in consultation with lineal descendants and cultural practitioners.
The case of Renovation Aloha highlights the need for media production companies to conduct thorough cultural impact assessments and to implement stringent protocols when filming in areas with significant cultural or historical importance. The economic benefits of tourism and media production in Hawaii are undeniable, but they must be balanced with a profound respect for the islands’ ancestral heritage.
The apology from HGTV and their subsequent re-editing of the episode represent a step towards addressing the immediate concerns. However, the legal action underscores the long-term implications of such events. The state’s pursuit of legal remedies aims not only to address this specific instance but also to set a precedent that reinforces the protection of sacred sites and ancestral remains.
This controversy also serves as a reminder for audiences to approach media content with a critical eye, particularly when it touches upon sensitive cultural issues. The public fascination with renovation shows often focuses on the transformation of spaces, but in Hawaii, these spaces are intrinsically linked to a rich and sacred history that demands careful consideration and reverence. The incident with Renovation Aloha underscores the vital importance of cultural consultation, legal compliance, and ethical storytelling when bringing the stories of the islands and their people to a global audience. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely offer further insights into how such conflicts are navigated in the future, aiming to protect both cultural heritage and the integrity of media narratives.
