HGTV Show 'Renovation Aloha' Accused of Illegally Broadcasting Human Remains
TMZ • • entertainment
Key Points:
- HGTV’s “Renovation Aloha” is under investigation after an episode aired footage of ancient Native Hawaiian burial remains found during filming in Hilo, sparking legal and cultural backlash.
- Hawaii laws strictly protect burial remains, and filming or broadcasting such footage without proper authorization is illegal; the Attorney General secured a temporary restraining order to block the footage from airing further.
- HGTV apologized, removed the episode, re-edited it to exclude the controversial footage, and stated no development occurred on the site, which was later blessed by a community elder.
- Native Hawaiian leaders and cultural experts condemned the broadcast as disrespectful, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the burial site.
- The investigation continues, with the Kalamas and show producers facing four counts of allegedly violating protection laws related to the burial remains.
