Remains Found in Unmarked Gravesite at Cemetery

Police are investigating the discovery of skeletal remains discovered by a crew preparing a burial site at a Hilo cemetery.

The incomplete remains were found Monday afternoon by workers at the county-run East Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery No. 2 off Laimana Street.

They do not appear to be ancient, according to an unidentified archaeologist who visited the scene at the police department’s request.

The remains were taken to Hilo Medical Center for a forensic examination.

The entrance to the East Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery No. 2. Photo by Dave Smith

Detectives will also be conferring with anthropologists from Department of Defense’s Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command 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 the remains, or who may know of historical photos or information on the property, contact Det. Robert Almeida at 961-2386 or ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us.