HGTV and Hawaiian Renovators Face Legal Action Over Broadcast of Sacred Bones
The stars of the popular home renovation show Renovation Aloha and the HGTV cable network are facing a significant lawsuit after footage depicting human burial remains was broadcast on national television. The controversial episode, which aired last week, has sparked outrage and legal action from Hawaiian authorities.
Shocking Discovery During Filming
During filming for the third season of Renovation Aloha, hosted by married house flippers Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama, a disturbing discovery was made on a Big Island property. While exploring an underground lava tube, Kamohai Kalama exclaimed, "Holy crap. There's bones back here," as reported by the Honolulu Civil Beat. This moment was captured on camera and subsequently featured in the episode titled "Bones on the Big Island."
Legal Violations and Cultural Desecration
The State Attorney General's Office in Hawaii has filed a lawsuit against the Kalamas, HGTV, and other parties involved. The legal action alleges that the broadcast violated state laws prohibiting the disturbance and desecration of burial sites and human skeletal remains. Deputy Attorneys General Julie China and Miranda Steed stated that the bones are considered ʻiwi kūpuna, a sacred Hawaiian term referring to ancestral remains that hold deep spiritual and familial significance for Native Hawaiians.
Officials emphasized that the Kalamas had been served with a written directive to immediately remove all content depicting the remains from social media platforms and cease any further dissemination. However, the lawsuit claims that "Defendants did not remove all content depicting the remains prior to the broadcast of the episode."
Profound Harm to Native Hawaiian Community
The legal filing argues that broadcasting footage of ʻiwi kūpuna on national television causes profound and irreparable harm to the Native Hawaiian community. It damages the state's interest in protecting cultural resources and violates the dignity and sanctity of the ancestors whose remains were depicted. The lawsuit seeks unspecified civil penalties and a permanent injunction requiring the defendants to remove all online content showing the bones and prevent any future display.
Network Response and Apology
Following the controversy, HGTV issued a public apology and announced that the episode would be edited for all future network airings and platforms. A network spokesperson stated, "We take the concerns raised by the Native Hawaiian community very seriously and are committed to ensuring our programming is respectful and appropriate. We apologize to anyone who found any part of the episode offensive, as that was not HGTV's intention."
HGTV also noted that authorities were notified about the remains, as shown in the episode, and that the Kalamas decided against developing the property, which was later blessed by a community elder. The Kalamas, who reportedly lack editorial control over their show, stated on Instagram that they followed the protocols they knew and never intended to develop the lot.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Both sides are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Friday, where the legal arguments will be presented. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between entertainment media and cultural preservation, particularly regarding indigenous rights and sacred sites.
