A set of human remains discovered Monday afternoon in an unmarked grave at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo do not appear to be ancient, the Hawaii County Police Department said Tuesday.
Around 1:49 p.m. Monday, police responded to the cemetery, located off Laimana Street, after Hawaii County workers preparing a burial site discovered a bag containing human remains. An archaeologist was contacted shortly thereafter and told detectives the remains did “not appear to be ancient,” according to the department.
The incomplete set of remains was taken to Hilo Medical Center pending an examination by the medical examiner, according to police. Detectives are also working with anthropologists from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, or JPAC, on Oahu, for additional analysis of the remains.
In addition, detectives are researching historical information on the parcel where the remains were found.
Anyone with information on this incident or who may possess historical photos or information on the property is asked to contact Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386 or email at ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.