Police say remains are human

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Police are investigating the discovery of human remains in a Hilo cemetery.

Police are investigating the discovery of human remains in a Hilo cemetery.

On Monday at about 1:49 p.m., police responded to East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 after workers preparing a burial site made a discovery of skeletal remains.

Hilo Criminal Investigations Section detectives responded to the scene and subsequently contacted an archaeologist who also responded to the cemetery, who informed police that the remains do not appear to be ancient.

The incomplete set of remains was taken to Hilo Medical Center pending an examination by the medical examiner.

In addition, detectives will be conferring with anthropologists from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) on Oahu to conduct additional analysis of the remains.

Detectives are also researching historical information on the parcel where the remains were found.

Police ask that anyone with information on this incident or who may possess historical photos or information on the property to contact Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386 or ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.