Former Maui Bombing Target at Kanahena Discussed

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Results of a remedial investigation of the ‘Āhihi Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve in South Maui will be discussed during a public meeting tonight, officials said.

The results of the investigation will be used to determine the most appropriate remedial action at Kanahena Point, which is located within the reserve, and 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.

“A visual survey conducted  in support of the 1996 Inventory Project Report identified a six-inch naval projectile, mechanical time fuze, .50 caliber projectile, and impact craters which indicated the use of high explosive munitions at the site,” according to an information sheet produced by the USACE in 2010.

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

The US Army Corps of Engineers will present the results of a remedial investigation, discuss next steps, and address questions from the public on the project.

The meeting is scheduled to run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Lokelani Intermediate School.