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

While investigating an automobile collision, officers discovered human remains in a bushy area about 20 yards south of the accident scene, near the mile post marker 1 on the Kahului side of the Y Hata Building in Wailuku.

The remains were not completely 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 found near the remains.

The remains were recovered and transported to the Maui County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.