Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama recently spoke out after a controversial episode of “Renovation Aloha” sparked widespread debate. The episode originally showed the couple discovering human remains beneath a property in Hilo, Hawaii — footage that HGTV later removed. Amid the backlash, many fans have praised the Kalamas for how they handled the situation.
Kamohai & Tristyn Kalama Addressed the Controversial Episode
In an April 16 Instagram Live video, Kamohai and Tristyn addressed the situation, explaining they followed proper protocol after finding skeletal remains in a lava tube on a property they had considered building on.
“The careful consideration of going through this episode — for us, nothing means more to us than our family, our culture, and our history and heritage,” Kamohai explained. “And the land that we are honored to call home.”
He shared they have “the utmost respect for all of it. It all means so much to us.”
The couple recalled that, upon their discovery, they notified the police “immediately” and were in contact with Kamohai’s father, who “knows exactly what to do in those situations.”
Tristyn explained, “The police archeologists said just leave the bones, they didn’t need to do anything further at that time.”
Kamohai shared that they were “put in touch with our kūpuna that know the proper protocol for a situation like that.”
He added, “This was something we would never build on. Now it was about, what is the proper cultural protocol?”
They put up a fence to protect the area, with Kamohai explaining, “That property will remain that way in perpetuity which will ensure that no one ever gets to build on that site and it will remain that way forever. For us, that was most important.”
The show’s team and the couple are facing legal issues and an investigation is underway. HGTV released the following statement:
“We take the concerns raised by the Native Hawaiian community very seriously and are committed to ensuring our programming is respectful and appropriate. We apologize to anyone who found any part of the episode offensive, as that was not HGTV’s intention.”
‘Renovation Aloha’ Fans Share Their Support for Kamohai & Tristyn Kalama
Fans flooded the comments section to share words of support for the couple.
“There is no question how you both love your culture and family heritage,” one fan wrote. “The honor you show is always evident. It is great to see people who renovate, as I have done that for many years as well, be so transparent! You are both a breath of fresh air!”
Another fan noted, “Saw this episode. You guys are authentic and paid respect for what you guys found. Much respect.”
“Truly impressed that you decided to preserve it the way you did. It was a beautiful episode,” another fan commented. “Your hearts are in the right place and not everyone would be willing to lose the money you spent on the lot.”
“I thought the episode was respectful, I was educated on a topic I didn’t know about. Very insightful,” one fan shared. “Plus you didn’t sell or build on the land so how can you be deemed disrespectful? I also thought the ending was beautiful with your Dad’s blessing … “
The EntertainmentNow HGTV News Facebook post about the episode also received an outpouring of support for the Kalamas.
“They immediately called law enforcement, making them aware of the situation. The police officers who came to check it out never stopped the filming. This couple is very proud of their culture and would never do anything disrespectful,” one fan wrote. “I’m happy they own the lot and forever secured it so nothing will be built on it. It was such an interesting episode. I love this show.”
Another fan noted, “I watched that episode. You were very respectful regarding what you found. You honored your culture by informing the proper people. So proud you are keeping the property and making sure it is never disturbed. Great and honorable job.”
