UPDATE: Possible Ordnance Deemed Non-Explosive, DT Fleming Reopened

The ordnance was described as metal and approximately 8-inches long. Photo courtesy: Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 8:57 a.m., 11/20/13)

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Oʻahu arrived on Maui at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and used x-ray equipment to examine a metal container found offshore of DT Fleming Beach earlier in the day.

The EOD determined that the device was not an explosive ordnance, removed the cover, and found no explosive components or substance within.

Maui Police Lt. William Juan said the beach and surrounding area was closed for about eight hours, and reopened just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

(Posted: 11/19/13)

DT Fleming Beach Park in West Maui was closed at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, following the discovery of possible unexploded ordnance offshore.

County Communications Director Rod Antone said the Parks Department was notified that a snorkeler located the possible ordnance about 20 yards offshore, that was partially buried in 8 feet of water.

According to Antone, the man took it to the county lifeguard stand and left it there with Ocean Safety officers, who then called police.

“Police have closed the beach park until they can confirm, and if necessary, dispose of the item,” said Antone.

The County of Maui later released further details describing the item as “a canister of unknown origin,” measuring about 8 inches in length.

DT Fleming. Photo by Wendy Osher.

County officials say the Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal team from Oʻahu was notified of the incident.

EOD personnel are schedule to arrive on Maui around 9 p.m. to determine whether they need to detonate the canister on-site or if they can take it to the firing range at Ukumehame for detonation, authorities said.

Maui police Lt. William Juan said the metal container was discovered at around 12:37 p.m.

According to Lt. Juan, the item was brought onto shore by a male snorkeler who found it in waters offshore of the park.

“Due to the metal container resembling that of an unidentified unexploded ordnance, police decided to close off DT Fleming Beach and the adjacent parking lot as a precautionary measure. The investigation is still ongoing at this time,” said Lt. Juan.

DT Flemming Beach. File photo courtesy XTERRA.

At 2:20 p.m., fire officials said crews from the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety had left, but police remained on scene. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, say they were notified of the incident and sent an officer to respond.

DT Fleming is located just north of the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua.

***Please check back for further details, which will be posted when they become available.