HGTV’s ‘Renovation Aloha’ Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Unauthorized Broadcast of Human Remains Hawaii’s Attorney General has launched a legal investigation into HGTV’s reality show Renovation Aloha after the program aired uncensored images of ancient skeletal remains discovered during a renovation project in Hilo. The episode, filmed in December 2025, reportedly showed the remains of what is believed to be ancestral human remains, sparking controversy over the show’s handling of culturally sensitive material. The state’s attorney general obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the broadcast, citing state laws protecting sacred Native Hawaiian remains. Despite the court order, the segment aired, prompting the AG to declare the matter a priority for further legal action. The remains were discovered by hosts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama, along with the production team, during a renovation of a Hilo property. According to a now-deleted social media clip, Tristyn Kalama expressed unease during the discovery, stating, “This is terrifying. I’m at my stopping point” before leaving the site. The production team reportedly uncovered a cave beneath the property, where the remains were found deep within. While police initially stated no crime had occurred, the state AG argued that the broadcast violated protections for ancestral remains under Hawaiian law. Statements from cultural leaders highlighted the sensitivity of the situation. Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, former chair of the Oahu Island Burial Council, condemned the release of the images, calling it “extremely disappointing.” She emphasized that the remains’ location had become “kapu space” once the individuals had transitioned to the afterlife, stating, “You went into their space, and that space becomes kapu space. We honor that. We don’t disturb them.#hgTV #tristyn_kalama #hawaii_attorney_general #kamohai #hilo
