Overview
Title
Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kamuela, HI
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Park Service in Hawaii found some old things, like nails and pieces of a coffin, at a special place. They want to give these things to the right Hawaiian groups, who have until February 22, 2021, to ask for them.
Summary AI
The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service has completed an inventory of funerary objects at the Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site in Hawaii, determining that these items are culturally affiliated with present-day Native Hawaiian organizations. The funerary objects, which include nails and coffin fragments dating back to John Young's time, were found at a historic site. The National Park Service is inviting Native Hawaiian organizations or representatives to request control of these objects by February 22, 2021. If no additional requests are made, the objects will be transferred to the recognized Native Hawaiian organizations.
Abstract
The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Pu`ukohol[amacr] Heiau National Historic Site has completed an inventory of associated funerary objects, in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the associated funerary objects and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these associated funerary objects should submit a written request to Pu`ukohol[amacr] Heiau National Historic Site. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the associated funerary objects to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Overview
The recent notice from the U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically the National Park Service, pertains to the completion of an inventory of funerary objects at Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site in Hawaii. The inventory has revealed a cultural connection between these objects and current Native Hawaiian organizations. This document essentially communicates the process and timeline for these organizations, or any not previously identified, to claim custody of these artifacts.
Key Points of the Document
The document outlines the discovered funerary objects which include nails and coffin fragments, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. These items are linked to historical figures and native traditions. The document invites Native Hawaiian organizations to submit formal requests to claim these artifacts by February 22, 2021.
This notice follows the procedures outlined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which provides a mechanism for the return of cultural items to Native American tribes and Hawaiian organizations when these items have known cultural affiliations.
Potential Issues and Concerns
A central concern associated with this document is ensuring fair and transparent procedures for responding to claims of cultural affiliation. Given that multiple organizations are acknowledged as stakeholders, the National Park Service must remain neutral and thorough in evaluating any additional claims to prevent disputes.
The timeline presented also raises potential concerns, as interested parties only have roughly a month to gather documentation and submit their requests. This may place undue pressure on smaller organizations or individuals with limited resources.
Impact on the Public
For the public, this action represents a continuation of efforts to respect and recognize the cultural heritage of Native Hawaiian populations. It highlights the ongoing responsibilities of federal agencies to address historical injustices related to cultural artifacts.
This notice also serves as an educational opportunity, bringing attention to the existence and content of federal regulations like NAGPRA, which not only apply to Native Hawaiians but also to Native American tribes across the United States.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For Native Hawaiian organizations, this document presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it offers a pathway for claiming culturally significant objects which serve as important connections to ancestral heritage. On the other hand, the procedural requirements can be burdensome, necessitating proper documentation and legal compliance information.
For federal agencies, the document underscores the importance of meticulously maintaining historical records and communicating clearly with cultural organizations to prevent future conflicts or oversight.
Conclusion
The notice from the National Park Service regarding custodial transfer of funerary objects holds significant cultural, legal, and educational implications. It encourages a reciprocal understanding and respectful treatment of Native Hawaiian heritage, symbolizing broader efforts to reconcile and honor the past while galvanizing similar efforts across indigenous communities nationwide.