For Immediate Release- Thursday, August 26, 1999

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.