An Alternative to the Traditional

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What is Aquatic Burials?
Aquatic Burials provide an alternative to traditional dispersal of cremated ash (cremains) by placing the ash within specialized urns called Ash Pods. The Ash Pod is then hand released, at a predetermined depth, in the waters surrounding Oahu, Hawaii.

Why should I consider Aquatic Burials as a Memorial Option?
The Aquatic Burial system provides four primary benefits.
A) Gives the family both a general and an exact location to the placement of their loved ones monument (unlike that of traditional ash dispersal).
B) One Ash Pod or an aggregate of Ash Pods allow life to abound in both freshwater and marine environments (in freshwater ecosystems, the pods provide cover and hideaways for fish species, while, in marine ecosystems, the pods create artificial reefs).
C) Since Ash Pods are designed for aquatic environments, their use will help alleviate land management stresses.
D) The Aquatic Burial system is cost effective.

Are Ash Pods environmentally safe?
Yes, Ash Pods are not only environmentally safe; they actually contribute to the health of the ecosystem. Ash Pods are made out of benign substances which allow coral polyps to attach. This process begins the chain of life. One Ash Pod will provide a small oasis of life in an area void of attachable substrate, but an aggregate of Ash Pods will actually create an artificial reef.

Why build an Ash Pod?
Ash Pods are built primarily to be monuments to the individual. These monuments allow a place to visit which, in turn, provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember and be remembered are natural human needs. Remembrance practices serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin.

How is an Ash Pod different from ash scattering?
Placing the cremains of a loved one in an Ash Pod creates a memorial which provides a permanent resting place for the deceased. A memorial is characterized by allowing dignified treatment for a loved one’s mortal remains by serving as a tribute to a life lived and establishes a focal point for remembrance. Since some people may find it hard to simply pour the cremains of a loved one into the sea, memoralization creates a place to visit (both figuratively and literally). For instance, it’s possible to interpret every part of the ocean as being the grave site and remembrance can be done by returning to any coastline. But, more importantly, each family will receive GPS (global positioning system) coordinates to the exact location of the loved one’s memorial and it can be physically visited by boat.

How do you create an Ash Pod?
An Ash Pod is a patented device made out of steel, concrete (acid-free), and anticorrosion sealant. Cremains are sealed (welded) into an Ash Box. The Ash Box is located at the apex of the Ash Pod. Next, the pod and associated box is sealed. Once the Ash Pod skeleton has been sealed, the entire pod is encased in cement (acid-free).

Can I place more than one set of cremains in an Ash Pod (including pets)?
Yes. The Ash Pod can be modified to accommodate multiple sets of cremains; including pets.

How will an Ash Pod stay in the specified place on the sea floor?
The Ash Pod is designed with those needs in mind. For example, the weighted base and low profile is a hydrodynamically sound design which allows water currents to flow over the chosen device. The design is helped further, in its stability, when it becomes a reef. Also, the pod is placed in water depths where violent currents are not easily encountered.

Can you guarantee placement on a specified date?
Once the Ash Pod is complete, it will be motored out into the Pacific Ocean surrounding the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Here, the Ash Pod will be hand-released in deep water (600ft) three miles offshore. A date will be agreed upon for the deployment of the Ash Pod, and all attempts will be made to uphold that date. But, factors such as weather and possible equipment issues make a 100% guaranteed placement on a specified date unrealistic.

Can a location be chosen in advance and is a private placement possible?
All attempts will be made to work with the families on advanced and private placement in accordance with EPA and State regulations.

Do I have a choice in Ash Pod styles?
Yes. Aquatic Burials provide three hydrodynamically sound models of Ash Pods (Dome, Cube, and Cylinder).

How long will the Ash Pod last?
For all practical purposes, this monument will last indefinitely.

In addition to the service, what can I expect to receive?
Upon completion of the service, the family will receive GPS coordinates to the exact location of the loved one’s memorial. A map translating the coordinates in relation to the island will accompany the coordinates, as well as, photographic documentation of the loved one’s pod being released.

What can I expect this memorial service “to cover” and “not to cover”?
What this program DOES cover:
-Handling of the cremains from the time of reception.
-The casting and inclusion of the cremains into the desired Ash Pod.
-The transportation and final placement of the Ash Pod to the memorial site.
-Receive GPS coordinates displayed on a map depicting the exact location of your memorial (as well as, photographic documentation of the Ash Pod’s deployment).

What this program DOES NOT cover:
-The cremation process and shipping of the cremains to Aquatic Burials.
-Transportation and related expenses for the family, if placement attendance is desired.

How do I get the cremains to Aquatic Burials?
Cremains can be either hand-delivered or mailed via U.S. Postal Service, registered mail with return receipt to:
Aquatic Burials
57 Arizona Memorial Drive #138
Honolulu, HI 96818

NOTICE: PLEASE USE A PROPER CONTAINER THAT CAN BE DISCARDED RATHER THAN BE RETURNED. ALSO, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL BEFORE SHIPPING CREMAINS (SO AS TO LET US KNOW THEY ARE COMING).

ORDERING, INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS:
NOTICE: THERE ARE THREE FORMS WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED IN ORDER TO SECURE THE MEMORIAL SERVICES OF AQUATIC BURIALS.
1) Aquatic Burials Ordering Form
2) Aquatic Burials Policy Statement
3) Authorizations for Cremation Disposition

NOTICE: PLEASE ONLY SHIP U.S. POSTAGE, REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT. PLEASE USE A PROPER CONTAINER THAT CAN BE DISCARDED RATHER THAN SHIPPED BACK. ALSO, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL BEFORE THE CREMAINS ARE SHIPPED, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

Phone: (619)228-4314
Email: aquaticburials@yahoo.com