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
HGTV’s 'Renovation Aloha' stars sued for allegedly showing Native Hawaiian remains on TV The HGTV series "Renovation Aloha," which follows married couple Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama as they renovate homes on Oahu, is facing a legal challenge after an episode aired that allegedly violated state law by displaying the remains of Native Hawaiian ancestors. The episode, titled “Bones on the Big Island,” was noticed by the state’s Attorney General’s Office and led to a lawsuit against the Kalamas, HGTV, Discovery Inc., and producer Nathan Fields. According to a complaint obtained by People magazine, the episode included footage of human skeletal remains discovered during filming on a residential renovation project. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) indicated that the remains, located on the property, were likely iwi kupuna—skeletal remains of Native Hawaiian ancestors. The lawsuit alleges that the show aired the footage without consent from a burial council or the DLNR, violating state laws protecting Native Hawaiian cultural heritage. The motion seeks unspecified civil penalties and a permanent injunction to remove any online or broadcast content depicting the remains. An HGTV spokesperson stated in a statement shared with People magazine that the network takes the concerns of the Native Hawaiian community seriously and apologized for any offense caused by the episode, emphasizing that it was not their intention. Deadline reported that the episode was re-edited to remove the footage and includes a note stating that local authorities were contacted immediately upon the discovery of the remains. The Kalamas also decided not to proceed with developing the lot out of respect for the cultural significance of the site.#hgTV #kamohai_kalama #tristyn_kalama #discovery_inc #nathan_fields
Nicole Curtis faces renewed backlash over racial slur explanation on ‘The Breakfast Club’ Nicole Curtis is once again facing public criticism after attempting to justify her use of a racial slur during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club. During the interview, Curtis described the incident as a “slip of the tongue,” claiming the word unintentionally slipped out while she was joking and using humorous phrases inspired by conversations with her children. This explanation, however, has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewers arguing that it fails to address the gravity of the language used. Curtis had previously lost her job at HGTV following the controversy over her use of the N-word on camera. Despite the initial fallout, she returned to the public eye by appearing on The Breakfast Club on Tuesday, where she attempted to reframe the incident as a momentary lapse rather than a deliberate act. Her comments, however, were met with swift backlash, as critics emphasized that such language carries deep historical and cultural weight, particularly in the context of systemic racism. Social media users accused Curtis of downplaying the harm caused by her words and called for greater accountability. The incident has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of public figures when using racially charged language. Many argue that even unintentional use of such terms can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of insensitivity. Curtis’s attempt to deflect blame by framing the incident as a “slip” has been seen by some as an effort to avoid meaningful reflection on the impact of her actions. The backlash against Curtis highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding racial language in public discourse.#nicole_curtis #racial_slur #the_breakfast_club #hgTV #systemic_racism
