What's Being Discussed

The O'ahu Island Burial Council will meet on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Kalanimoku Building in Honolulu. This council oversees the treatment and protection of Native Hawaiian burial sites discovered across O'ahu.

Approval of minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting.
Sixteen inadvertent discoveries of unidentified Native Hawaiian skeletal remains at locations across O'ahu, including sites in Kailua, Waikīkī, Kaka'ako, Wai'anae, Mākaha, Laniākea, Pūpūkea, Ewa, and near Jefferson Elementary School.
Communications from outside agencies, including a letter from the Board of Water Supply about the Mililani Wells project, a letter from Temple University regarding a federal repatriation law (NAGPRA) consultation, and a letter from the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation about a project in the Ko'olauloa District.
Council membership, roles, and responsibilities — an ongoing discussion about how the council operates.
Ongoing documentation and recovery efforts related to previously identified burial sites.

Decisions Expected

The council is expected to vote on approving the previous meeting's minutes.
Members will likely provide guidance or direction on how each inadvertent discovery should be handled, including next steps for documentation, preservation, or reburial.
The council may decide how to respond to outside agency requests for consultation and comment.

Who Should Pay Attention

Native Hawaiian communities and families with ancestral connections to affected areas
Developers and construction project managers working at or near the listed sites
State and county agencies involved in infrastructure or transportation projects on O'ahu
Anyone interested in the preservation of Native Hawaiian cultural heritage