A tentative settlement has been reached in the suit filed against Wal-Mart and the state and city governments for allegedly desecrating human remains during the construction of the shopping complex on Keeaumoku Street.

The original suit, filed in May 2003 against the state Historic Preservation Commission, the city and Wal-Mart, alleged the three violated state laws that protect human remains and grave sites.

Under the settlement, the state and city now will take precautions for finding human remains in areas that are designated "previously discovered," or areas where construction has previously occurred and based on that experience it is believed bones are not located.