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Posted: Thursday, March 2nd, 2006 5:43 AM HST

No resolution reached in missing Hawaiian artifacts case

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ Lawyers did not reach an agreement over missing Hawaiian artifacts today after meeting with a judge in a closed-door session today. The attorneys updated U-S Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang on their progress in an ancient mediation process that was ordered to resolve the conflict over the cache of priceless artifacts. Neither side's attorneys would comment on whether they are any closer to finding a solution. The group Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawaii Nei, which borrowed 83 objects from the Bishop Museum in 2000, hid them in a secret cave on the Big Island because the group claims the artifacts belong to the dead and aren't meant for public display. They include a human-hair wig, containers with human teeth and carved wooden statuettes of family gods. Hui Malama lawyer Alan Murakami says his group is dedicated to finding a solution. (Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)