Wednesday, September 23, 1998
What ever happened to the ka'ai stolen from Bishop Museum in 1994? Stolen ka‘ai
were never recoveredThe disappearance of the two ka'ai remains a mystery.
According to Honolulu police Detective John Kamai, one of two officers in charge of the case, the ka'ai were never found. However, sources have told him the ka'ai "were returned" to Waipio Valley on the Big Island - a lush green valley stretching six miles long with 2,000-foot cliffs.
The two ka'ai, which were stolen from the Bishop Museum's Konia Hall in mid-February 1994, are woven sennit caskets believed to hold the remains of deified 15th- or 16th-century chiefs Liloa and Lonoikamakahiki.
Kamai said they had a few good leads based on airline reservation information. However, the information was not solid enough evidence to make any arrests.
Kamai said they ruled out Bishop Museum employees in the burglary. Those who stole the ka'ai were of Hawaiian ancestry, he said.
The case remains open. For now, Kamai said, police can only wait until someone comes forward with more information.
"When we do find the ka'ai, (the) Hawaiian community will decide what the final outcome is going to be," he said.
By Stan Constantino, Star-Bulletin
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