Maui police have opened an investigation after finding skeletal remains early Tuesday morning along Kahului Beach Road.

Wailuku patrol officers were sent to a collision at approximately 6:30 a.m. near the mile post marker 1 which is located on the Kahului side of the "Y Hata" Building in Wailuku.

While investigating the collision, the officers discovered human remains in a bushy area about 20 yards south of the accident scene.

The remains were not totally covered by dirt or surrounding vegetation, although the recent rainy weather could have unearthed the remains, police said.

An initial forensic scene investigation indicated the remains had been there for at least five years. Clothing and personal effects were also located near the remains. The remains were recovered and transported to the Maui County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination, police said.

The investigation will include a review of outstanding missing person reports, police said.