A forensic anthropologist has confirmed that remains found by Army contractors Friday at a Schofield Barracks construction site were human remains, the Army said yesterday.

Protective fencing has been erected in the area, and all construction activities at the site have been halted, the Army said.

During a routine ground excavation on Friday, Army-contracted archaeological and cultural monitors discovered the suspected human remains.

The Army said its archaeologists and cultural resource specialists were immediately dispatched to the site to make an initial determination as to whether the remains were likely human. James Pokines, a forensic anthropologist with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, confirmed on Saturday that the remains were human.

The state Historic Preservation Office and the O'ahu Burial Council have been notified, the Army said.