Kona, Hawai’i (Big Island). On August 21, 1999, a complaint was filed with Mr.
Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, alleging that
National Park Service personnel at Koloko/ Honokohau National Historic Park desecrated
several Native Hawaiian burials located inside the park.
A portion of the complaint alleges that on July 17, 1999, bones were discovered
"strewn across and smeared into the lava rock". The complaint also alleges that
when the desecration of the burials were brought to the attention of the National
Park’s District Superintendent, Bryan Harry, he was "patronizing and
condescending".
Subsequent to this complaint and as recent as August 24, 1999, more burials have been
desecrated and exposed due to construction work being conducted by the National Park
Service at Koloko/ Honokohau National Historic Park.
For further Information please contact Mr. Isaac Harp at 808-661-5473 or Ms. Tiana
Ching at 808-325-0389.
######