HGTV and 'Renovation Aloha' Hosts Face Legal Action Over Broadcast of Human Bones
The stars of HGTV's popular home renovation show 'Renovation Aloha' are embroiled in a significant legal dispute following the broadcast of an episode that featured human burial remains. The lawsuit, filed by the state Attorney General's Office, targets the network and the show's hosts, Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama, for allegedly violating Hawaiian state laws that protect burial sites and human skeletal remains.
Shocking Discovery During Filming on Big Island Property
During the filming of the third season episode titled 'Bones on the Big Island', the Kalamas made a startling discovery while exploring an underground lava tube on a Big Island property. Kamohai Kalama was captured on camera exclaiming, 'Holy crap. There's bones back here,' as he shone a flashlight into the tube. This footage was subsequently included in the episode, which aired last week despite prior concerns raised by officials.
Legal Allegations and Cultural Significance
In the lawsuit, Deputy Attorneys General Julie China and Miranda Steed argue that the broadcast and social media posts depicting the bones constitute a desecration under state law. The bones are identified as 'iwi kūpuna,' a sacred term in Hawaiian culture referring to ancestral remains that hold deep spiritual and familial significance for Native Hawaiians. The state alleges that the defendants failed to comply with a written directive to remove all related content from social media platforms before the episode's broadcast.
Key points from the legal filing include:
- The broadcast causes 'profound and irreparable harm' to the Native Hawaiian community and the state's cultural resources.
- Defendants did not fully remove content depicting the remains prior to the episode airing on national television.
- The lawsuit seeks unspecified civil penalties and a permanent injunction to prevent further dissemination of the footage.
Responses from HGTV and the Kalamas
HGTV has issued a public apology for the episode, stating that it will be edited for all future airings and platforms. A network spokesperson emphasized, '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.' The network also noted that authorities were notified about the remains, and the property was later blessed by a community elder after the Kalamas decided against development.
The Kalamas, who reportedly lack editorial control over their show, have responded on social media, asserting that they followed known protocols and never intended to develop the property. Both parties are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Friday to address the ongoing case.
Broader Implications for Media and Cultural Sensitivity
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding media ethics and cultural respect, particularly in contexts involving indigenous heritage. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal and cultural protocols when dealing with sensitive archaeological finds. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how television networks handle similar situations in the future, emphasizing the need for greater diligence in content production and broadcast standards.
