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Kamohai Kalama and Tristyn Kalama face shocking legal consequences after their hit HGTV show aired Native Hawaiian burial remains without permission. The April 18 lawsuit marks a major setback for the beloved “Renovation Aloha” stars. Here’s what happened inside this cultural crisis.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Lawsuit: Hawaii Attorney General sued the Kalamas, HGTV, Discovery Inc., and producer Nathan Fields on April 18, 2026
- The Episode: “Bones On The Big Island” featured uncensored footage of skeletal remains called iwi kūpuna
- The Violation: Photographing Native Hawaiian burial remains without written permission violates Hawaii state law
- Legal Penalty: Fines up to $10,000 per offense plus civil penalties and permanent content removal ordered
The Discovery That Changed Everything
During a Hawaiʻi island renovation project, the Kalamas discovered ancient skeletal remains in a lava tube beneath the property. Kamohai shined a flashlight and exclaimed, “Holy crap, there’s bones back here.” The moment was caught on camera with full audio and visual documentation.
The couple immediately contacted state police and an archaeologist confirmed the remains were ancient iwi kūpuna, or ancestors of Native Hawaiians. They made the ethical choice not to develop the property and the site was blessed by a community elder.
Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama sued in Hawaii for airing Native Hawaiian remains
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Why Cultural Law Was Broken
Hawaii law strictly prohibits photographing burial remains without written consent from burial councils and the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Kalamas obtained zero permissions, according to the state.
The state argues that broadcasting Native Hawaiian ancestors on national television causes “profound and irreparable harm” to the Indigenous community. Deputy Attorney General Miranda Steed wrote that this violation destroyed “the confidentiality and restricted nature” of remains Hawaii law specifically protects. Burial council member Leimana Abenes stated clearly, “That’s desecration.”
How the Legal Battle Unfolded
| Date | Action |
| April 14 | Episode “Bones On The Big Island” airs with remains visible |
| April 16 | State directs Kalamas to remove social media content within 24 hours |
| April 17 | State judge issues temporary restraining order hours before broadcast |
| April 18 | Civil complaint filed against Kalamas, HGTV, Discovery Inc., producer Fields |
| April 21 | HGTV apologizes, releases re-edited episode removing all remains footage |
“Filming Native Hawaiian ancestral remains is culturally taboo and considered deeply disrespectful to the islands’ Indigenous ancestors.”
— Honolulu Civil Beat, Hawaii Burial Investigation
HGTV’s Damage Control Response
HGTV parent company Warner Bros. Discovery issued an official apology within days. Vice president Lynne Davis Adeyemi stated the network takes concerns “very seriously” and is “committed to ensuring our programming is respectful and appropriate.”
The network re-edited “Bones On The Big Island” to remove all skeletal remains footage. The updated episode aired on April 21, showing instead how the Kalamas called authorities and chose not to develop the sacred land. However, the original episode remains available on some streaming platforms, which prosecutors say violates the court order.
What’s Next for Renovation Aloha’s Stars?
The state seeks unspecified civil penalties and a permanent injunction ordering removal of all content showing the remains. Violations could result in fines up to $10,000 per offense under Hawaii burial law. Legal experts debate whether Hawaii’s photography ban violates First Amendment protections.
The Kalamas shared an Instagram Live saying they followed “protocols known to them” and never intended to develop the property. Neither the couple, HGTV, nor producer Nathan Fields have filed court responses. This lawsuit joins earlier 2024 controversies where Civil Beat revealed the Kalamas completed Oahu renovations without proper permits, triggering violation notices.
Follow the legal proceedings: Read the full investigation on Honolulu Civil Beat for court documents and detailed legal analysis of this landmark case.
Sources
- Honolulu Civil Beat – “Renovation Aloha” Sued For Filming Native Hawaiian Bones, investigation with court documents
- People Magazine – HGTV’s Renovation Aloha Stars Sued for Showing Human Remains on TV, April 21, 2026
- Hawaii News Now – HGTV’s Renovation Aloha accused of broadcasting human remains illegally coverage and community response
