Opposing groups embroiled in litigation over the reburial of Hawaiian artifacts in two Big Island caves say they are committed to settling their differences "in good faith," following the release of one of the group's leaders from federal prison.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra ordered the release of Edward Halealoha Ayau, po'o or executive director of Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawaii Nei, from prison into home confinement following a hearing yesterday in which the parties notified the court of their intent to mediate and settle the case.

Ezra ordered Ayau to prison Dec. 27 after he refused to reveal to the court the exact location of the 83 artifacts that Hui Malama contends they reburied in February 2000.

"We were ready for mediation from day one," said a subdued Ayau, moments after exiting the federal courthouse hand-in-hand with his wife and flanked by Hui Malama attorneys. "It would have been our preferred mode of dealing with this."

Sherry Broder, attorney for two groups that sued Hui Malama last year, said they hope to proceed "in good faith" and hopes Hui Malama does the same.

"We felt it was very appropriate to agree to allow the court to pick the two mediators so we'll be proceeding and welcome the opportunity to go ahead," Broder said.

U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang, appointed by Ezra to oversee the litigation, announced that he had selected Nainoa Thompson, Kamehameha Schools trustee and renowned Hawaiian navigator, and Earl Kawaa, coordinator for an early childhood family education program in Waimanalo, to mediate. Both have indicated their willingness to participate, Chang said.

Sitting just outside the Federal Building courtyard yesterday with Kainani Kahaunaele, his wife of less than six months, Ayau said his three weeks in jail made him more committed to the cause of Hui Malama, inspired by the support he and the organization received.

He could see the supporters who held vigils for him twice a day across the street from the detention center, although he could not hear them, he said.

He also received a string of letters from supporters. "They said they thought what I was doing was the right thing, and to remain steadfast," he said. "It was very humbling to me to have people I didn't even know praying for me."