HILO » Hawaii County police are investigating the discovery of human remains at a veterans cemetery in an area where there was no record of a body buried.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald says the loose bones were found Monday at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2.

Lt. Greg Esteban says county workers were using a backhoe to excavate a plot for a Tuesday burial when they came across bones buried about 4 feet deep.

There appeared to be no receptacle for the bones although they were found a piece of fabric-like material and some kind of cellophane wrapper.

Esteban says there is no apparent sign of foul play.

The remains have been taken to Hilo Medical Center for a preliminary examination and might be transported to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.