Update: Special Response Team renders device safe at Kahului intersection; suspected IED was likely an improvised pyrotechnic device

Update: 1:41 p.m., July 23, 2024

Wailuku patrol officers responded to the area near the intersection of Lono Ave. and Hina Ave. in Kahului for a suspicious item on the roadway at around 7:51 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.  Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the shoulder of Lono Ave., near the fence line of Kahului Elementary School.

At approximately 7:53 a.m., officers closed Lono Ave. between Hina Ave. and Lāʻau Street and evacuated nearby residents. Kahului Elementary School Summer Pals Program staff were contacted, who advised officers that no children were on campus.  Officers instructed staff to remain off the campus area closest to the scene, and residents who were unable to evacuate due to medical or other reasons were advised to shelter in place.

At approximately 8:20 a.m., SRT personnel and an MPD Bomb Technician performed an X-ray of the device before rendering the device safe via a water disruption shot.  Upon further investigation, it was determined the contents were more likely an improvised pyrotechnic device rather than an IED.

At approximately 11:36 a.m., residents were allowed to return, and the road was reopened.

The Maui Police Department asks the public to refrain from handling ordnances directly and to contact the department immediately for assistance upon unexploded ordnance discovery.

Previous post:

There is an increased police presence at the corner of Hina and Lono Ave. in Kahului due to a report of suspicious activity. Officers responded to the area at 7:50 a.m. The Maui Police Department’s bomb squad was deployed and remained on scene at last report (10:10 a.m.). Out of precaution, some nearby residences have been evacuated, a police spokesperson told Maui Now.

Witnesses say a robotic device is present sitting inside the police barrier with a small command center on site. The area is blocked off to traffic.

“We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the community as we work diligently to resolve this matter safely and efficiently, and we ask that the public avoid the area,” according to police spokesperson Alana Pico.

More information will be released as it becomes available.