Schatz applauds return of sacred cultural item to Hawaiʻi

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, celebrated the return to Hawaiʻi of a sacred ‘ahu‘ula (feathered cape), worn by Chief Keaoua Kekuaokalani in the Battle of Kuamoʻo in 1819. 

Following a ceremony held at the Smithsonian Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland, the ‘ahu‘ula completed its journey home, escorted to Hawai‘i by community members and temporarily housed at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park until the full repatriation process has concluded. The return is being carried out pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

“This is about more than just complying with federal law — it’s about doing what is right, and respecting and preserving Native Hawaiian cultural heritage,” said Schatz. “I’m grateful to the cultural practitioners, descendants, and leaders who fought to make this rightful return happen. We must keep up the work and the pressure to bring ancestral remains and cultural items back home.”

At the ceremony, Hawai‘i leaders highlighted the bravery and leadership exhibited by Kekuaokalani and the example he has set for our leaders to follow.

Schatz has long supported the enforcement and expansion of laws like NAGPRA and continues to advocate for the protection of Native cultural heritage.