Frequently Asked Questions 

Why should I consider donating my body to Ke Ola ‘Uhane?

This unique and priceless gift of the human body provides the opportunity for knowledge that is the foundation of all health education and research. Donations are used to teach health professionals, students and post-graduate students the relationship between the systems and structures of the human body. The benefits to humankind are vast. Medical training utilizing the use of human tissue can advance the knowledge and skills of physicians and surgeons leading to the development of new surgical techniques and procedures. We all benefit from whole body donation for medical research and training, including our loved ones. Medical professionals report that there is no substitute for human tissue when studying the human body. Professionals are reliant on generous donors, such as you, to improve patient outcomes. Advances in quicker patient recovery times, minimal scarring, heightened range of motion, added longevity for implanted medical devices and less time needed for physical therapy is an example of your donation. The need for donations are great, and the gift is valued and honored beyond measure.

How can I leave my body to Ke Ola ‘Uhane?

Ke Ola ‘Uhane welcomes anyone to donate their gift at all stages in life. Donation registrations can be made before or after time of passing. Ke Ola ‘Uhane encourages you to register prior to passing to provide peace of mind for loved ones and to ensure end-of-life wishes are fulfilled. Ke Ola ‘Uhane has a dedicated professional Social Worker who will visit you (Oahu) upon request to review forms authorizing the donation of your gift to Ke Ola ‘Uhane. In addition, forms can be mailed to you with a return envelope or you can download the forms from our website. The completion of these forms does not require the services of a lawyer or a notary. By planning in advance, you can eliminate any confusion about your wishes. All records will be held in the strictest of confidence. Should you decide to become a donor, registration cards will be shared with you. Then, one call is all that is necessary. We will respond quickly and with caring professionalism.

Can I donate someone else's body, such as my wife's or my husband's?

This cannot be done while the donor is living. However, after the individual's passing, the nearest living next of kin can donate the body. An anatomical gift of a decedents body for purposes of therapy, research, or education may be made, in the order of priority listed, by any member of the following classes of persons who is reasonably available:

  1. An agent of the decedent at the time of death who could have made an anatomical gift immediately before the decedent's death;

  2. The spouse of the decedent;

  3. Adult children of the decedent;

  4. Parents of the decedent;

  5. Adult siblings of the decedent;

  6. Adult grandchildren of the decedent;

  7. Grandparents of the decedent;

  8. An adult who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent;

  9. The persons who were acting as the guardian of the person of the decedent at the time of death; and

  10. Any other person having the authority to organize the final disposition of the decedent's body.

Does age, disease, or amputation make the donation unacceptable?

There is no upper age limit for whole body donation (must be 18 years old), nor does amputation preclude acceptance. Medical conditions that would prevent acceptance as a donor include: communicable diseases, extensive trauma at the time of death and advanced decomposition which would make the remains unsuitable for anatomical study. All donors are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and final acceptance is made at the discretion and best judgment of the Medical Director or Designee.

Are there exclusions for donation?

Ke Ola ‘Uhane makes every effort to fulfill the wishes of those who wish to donate. To protect educational professionals and medical professionals, donors with HIV/AIDS are not eligible for donation. All Ke Ola ‘Uhane donation approvals are decided on a case by case basis. Approvals are based on both the medical/social history and medical records obtained.

Will my body be used for transplant purposes?

Donation to Ke Ola ‘Uhane will not involve transplantation of any tissue. There are different laws and regulations required for transplantation. All tissue from each loved one’s Gift will be kept separately, yet together to ensure the intact nature of the final disposition. If, however, you do wish to donate organs for transplantation Ke Ola ‘Uhane will accept your remaining Gift following all organ donation requests.

Can I be an Organ Donor as well as a Whole Body Donor?

Ke Ola ‘Uhane encourages all whole-body donors to consider being a registered organ donor. It is important that your healthcare provider know your wishes to ensure both donations occur easily. Ke Ola ‘Uhane can assist you in coordinating all donation activities with the Hawaii Organ Procurement Organization; Legacy of Life Hawaii.

What about autopsies?

Information learned from autopsies is sometimes of importance to the donor's physician or family, and in some instances, autopsy is required by law. Although the value for anatomical study of an autopsied body is limited, we will accept autopsied bodies of registered donors, subject to meeting the other criteria of program acceptability.

Who may serve as a witness to my donation?

Two (2) Witnesses are needed that are 18 years or older, one of whom must be a disinterested witness (not a relative or caregiver) who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person may act as a witness.

 What expenses are involved upon the death of the donor?

  • No cost cremation

  • No cost for body transportation

  • No cost filing of death certificate into county vital records system

  • Forms needed to obtain death certificates from the county

All arrangements can be made in your home, hospital room or hospice care facility if desired. All transportation arrangements of the donor to our facility as well as the completion and filing of death certificates. Multiple copies of death certificates can be obtained at the minimal state required cost. The return of cremated remains to your family in a dignified urn at no cost or scattering of ashes at sea, is at no cost to the donor, their estate or family.

Should the donor inform someone of the bequest?

Yes. Discuss your plans with those close to you so that your wishes may be clearly understood. If at the time of passing the next-of-kin or another close family member express regret about the donation, Ke Ola ‘Uhane will relinquish all claims to the remains if so requested. It is also advisable for a donor to notify his or her physician and attorney of the arrangements.

What is the final disposition following education or research activities?

After education or research activities are completed the remains are cremated according to local or international law and not returned. If you wish, your cremated remains can either be returned to the next of kin, designated Authorized person or scattered at sea.

Will any payment be received for the gifted remains?

No payment may be made in connection with whole-body donation. This policy is in accordance with State laws, and all institutions accepting human remains must comply with it.

When will Cremated remains be returned to the next of Kin?

If you elect to have your remains returned, Ke Ola ‘Uhane will return cremated remains to the next of kin or designated Authorized Person within 4-6 weeks. If your body is embalmed the cremated remains will be returned within 18 months. All cremations are performed by a licensed crematory. We at Ke Ola ‘Uhane will assist in making appropriate arrangements for the delivery of cremated remains. On Oahu, cremated remains can be delivered by our Social Worker. If this in-person delivery is not suitable, cremated remains are sent via registered mail to a funeral home of your choosing or to a personal residence. Cremated remains may not be shipped internationally.

If a bequest is made, and the donor has a change of mind later, can the Gift be rescinded?

Yes, if the request is made in writing by the donor.

What is the procedure upon the death of the donor?

The next of kin, executor, or hospital personnel would contact Ke Ola ‘Uhane office and we will take care of transportation.

Can I state how my body will be used?

While we encourage requests for specific research or education, we cannot guarantee the donation will be used for any specific purpose.