Remediation Plans at Former Bombing Target, Kanahena Point to be Discussed

Kanahena inspection photos from USACE November 27-30, 2007 inspection.

By Wendy Osher

The US Army Corps of Engineers will host a public information meeting to discuss a proposed mitigation plan to address the removal of munitions at the former bombing target site at Kanahena Point in South Maui.

Kanahena is located within the ‘Āhihi Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve between ‘Āhihi and La Perouse Bays.  The area once served as a former bombing target and defense site along the leeward coast of Maui.

According to material published by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the site was used in 1945 by the 14th Naval District for practice bombing exercises.

In addition to the munitions found at Kanahena during a 1996 survey, additional shrapnel pieces, munitions, and a variety of other ordnance debris were reportedly found during subsequent site inspections.

A Proposed Plan has since been prepared to provide an overview of the nature and extent of munitions discovered at the former training area, the potential risks posed to humans and ecology, and proposed remediation alternatives.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Lokelani Intermediate School in Kīhei.