HONOLULU -- A federal judge Friday ordered that ancient Hawaiian artifacts be retrieved from a Big Island burial cave. The group that put them there said that would add to the site's desecration.

A total of 83 objects are now sealed in a cave somewhere in Kawaiahae on the Big Island. The Bishop Museum gave a group called Hui Malama the artifacts five years ago. The group members said they put them back where they were before a white anthropologist took them.

"We respected the decision that our ancestors made to preserve these items for themselves in the next life," said Eddie Aiau, of Hui Malama.

Other Hawaiian groups said Hui Malama deceived the museum and hid the artifacts before consulting them. They said the artifacts may be at risk.

"They've been subject to deterioration, insects and everything else," Laakea Suganuma said.

Judge David Ezra ordered Hui Malama to help return the items to the Bishop Museum while the various Hawaiian groups decide on a final resolution. Hui Malama said it will fight the order.

Leaders of Hui Malama said what the judge wants them to do actually violates their spiritual beliefs. So, they are not sure what they will do if their appeal fails.

The only thing everyone shared Friday was sadness that revered objects were pitting Hawaiians against Hawaiians.