WAILUKU, Maui — The discovery of human remains in the vicinity of the Kaupo-Kipahulu rockfall project is not expected to delay the reopening of a portion of Pi'ilani Highway in mid-October.

Destabilized by an earthquake in October 2006, the road was ordered closed two months later when then-Mayor Alan Arakawa observed massive boulders falling on the narrow coastal highway. The road closure has disrupted the lives of East Maui residents for nearly two years.

On Thursday, the Maui/Lana'i Burial Council signed off on plans to ensure the proper care for burials found by an archaeological survey about 600 feet away from the site of the rockfall hazard mitigation project.

The council recommended that state, county and federal officials ensure the care, disposition and protection of any human remains found during the survey. Council members, acting on a motion made by Vice Chairman Scott Fisher, also recommended that officials include input from possible lineal descendants on the identification of any human remains.