MAUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — The discovery of a possible military ordnance in central Maui led to the Hawaiʻi Inter-Island Bomb Squad’s interference on July 30.
Wailuku patrol officers were alerted of the discovery at about 1:50 p.m., with reports of a “bomb shell” being found on Pulehu Road, the Maui Police Department said.
Officers then requested the assistance of the bomb squad, who were able to conduct an initial assessment of the apparently intact ordnance, according to officials.
As a result of the bomb squad’s assessment, they found that the ordnance lacked a fusing system or initiators, MPD said.
Following their assessment, MPD says the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal was contacted and identified the device to be a 3.5-inch MK1&2 Armor Piercing Round after viewing an X-ray image of the device.
The Army was able to confirm that there were no fuse components within the ordnance, MPD said.
Subsequently, the ordnance was confiscated by MPD until the Army could coordinate a proper disposal of the device, officials said.
During the investigation, Pulehu Road was closed, with MPD saying the road was reopened approximately an hour later.
The police want the public to know to avoid handling any suspected explosive materials and to immediately call 911 upon discovery of such items.