8 Nov 2005

Historic Hawaii skull returned after attempted internet sale

9:37 am on 8 November 2005

A historic native Hawaiian skull has been returned to the state after authorities stopped it being sold on the internet.

KITV news in Hawaii reports a California man had advertised the skull on the auction website, eBay.

He was sentenced to community service and fined after selling the skull to an undercover federal agent for US$2,500.

The Hawaii Historic Preservation Division official, Melanie Chinen, says the reburial of the skull on Maui will be discussed at the next meeting of the island burial council.