Perimeter Set up After Blasting Caps Found in Stolen Vehicle

Maui Police crime graphic by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police have set up a perimeter near the Villas at Kenolio in Kīhei overnight and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution after blasting caps were observed within the stolen vehicle at the location, police said.

Police say Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel were contacted for proper disposal, and that disposal was still pending as of 7:30 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014.

Shortly after noon an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. At 2 p.m., the team was able to secure the blasting caps for proper disposal and deemed the area safe for residents to return to their homes.  At around 2:15 p.m., police issued a notification indicating that Halili Lane in Kenolio Villas had reopened.

The initial stolen vehicle report was made at around noon on Sunday, May 11, 2014 by beach patrons at ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu Bay in Mākena.

Shortly after 10:45 p.m., police say the stolen rental vehicle was located near the area of the Villas at Kenolio in Kīhei.  While processing the stolen vehicle, police say blasting caps were observed within the vehicle.

Wikipedia defines a blasting cap as “a small sensitive primary explosive device generally used to detonate a larger, more powerful and less sensitive secondary explosive such as TNT, dynamite, or plastic explosive.”

Police say the Red Cross was contacted to make arrangements for displaced residents.

***Check back for further details, which will be posted as they become available.