Human skeletal remains uncovered during construction at Mid-Pacific Institute's Mānoa campus appear to be ancient, according to Honolulu Police, following a March 6, 2026 preliminary review by forensic anthropologist Dr. Robert Mann. Police said the bones do not seem connected to a recent death and will now be reviewed by state historic-preservation officials. Construction crews first unearthed the remains in late January, and work at the scene was paused while archaeologists and investigators assessed what was buried beneath the campus.
Police say early review points to older remains
Honolulu Police said on X that Dr. Robert Mann conducted a preliminary examination and concluded the remains "appear to be ancient," according to Honolulu Police. The post noted that the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division will review the material and that the spot "may have been used as a historic burial site," according to the department. Officials added that they currently have no reason to believe the bones are linked to a recent death.
How the discovery unfolded
Construction crews found the bones during campus work on Jan. 22, and Mid-Pacific officials said work stopped and archaeologists were brought in, according to Hawaii News Now. That outlet and other early reports said multiple sources initially believed the remains were not iwi kupuna and that at least one bullet casing was discovered nearby, while stressing that investigators had not confirmed any connection between the casing and the bones. The Star-Advertiser also ran a brief account of the find and the school's immediate response.
State review and legal rules
Because the discovery happened as part of an active campus improvement project that had already gone through State Historic Preservation Division review, the remains will be handled under state preservation rules that govern inadvertent finds, according to the State Historic Preservation Division. The agency typically oversees technical analysis, consults with the Oʻahu Island Burial Council and cultural descendants when remains may be historic, and can require mitigation steps or preservation in place.
Published decisions from the agency list Mid-Pacific's Phase I campus improvements among projects that have completed SHPD review, giving officials existing records to consult as they evaluate this discovery: State Historic Preservation Division.
Campus response and what comes next
Mid-Pacific told reporters that there was no immediate impact on students and that the school is cooperating with police and state agencies while construction remains on hold. The school's contact page lists the Mānoa campus address and campus safety contacts for questions related to construction and security.
SHPD review and any cultural consultations could take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. Investigators have said they plan to release more information once the state review is complete and specialists reach firmer conclusions about the age and context of the remains.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the discovery to call the Honolulu Police Department's non-emergency line. Police said updates will be shared after the state preservation review is finished.
