Update: Maui police continue investigation into IED incident on Maui, details withheld to not compromise investigation
Maui police issued an update today saying their investigation into the improvised explosive device (IED) incident that occurred in Pukalani on Aug. 8, 2024 remains active.
“The Maui Police Department understands the concerns this may raise and wants to assure the public that every possible measure is being taken to safeguard our residents and visitors as we work diligently with our law enforcement partners to conduct a thorough investigation,” police said in a news release on Monday afternoon.
Police said that they are unable to share investigative details at this time because they do not want to compromise the investigation; however, authorities anticipate being able to release information in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the Pukalani IED investigation. Maui police spokesperson Alana Pico confirmed in an email to Maui Now that Robert Dumaran, 47, of Kahului was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 for a federal warrant, but said no further information is available at this time.
Police say that the safety of the community is a top priority and are asking that residents remain vigilant.
The department offered the following safety guidelines:
- Report Suspicious Activities: Promptly report any activities that could present a threat to public safety.
- Suspicious Objects: If you see something out of place on the road:
- Do not touch, drive over, or approach it for any reason.
- If possible, keep others away from the area.
- Call 911 immediately to report the object.
“Your vigilance is crucial in keeping our community safe. Every observation, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital to our investigation,” police said.
The FBI and Maui police jointly issued a public safety warning regarding recent reports of IEDs recovered in the Kahului and Pukalani areas. That was followed by a more detailed report involving Thursday’s incident in Pukalani.
The following day, on Aug. 9, police conducted evacuations in Wailuku when a stolen vehicle potentially linked to the Puklani incident was located. After a thorough investigation, the vehicle was deemed safe and unrelated to the IED case.
On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 11, a portion of Hina Ave. near Lono Ave. in Kahului was closed, but police could not confirm the reason for their heavy presence, including response by Special Response Team personnel.
About three weeks earlier, on July 23, Wailuku patrol officers responded to the same intersection for a suspicious item on the roadway. According to earlier reports, an investigation into that incident determined the contents were more likely an improvised pyrotechnic device rather than an IED.
The FBI and MPD are urging the public to report any suspicious activity that could present a threat to public safety, such as someone leaving an object unattended in a public space. “If you see a suspicious or unknown object, especially near any street or road, do not touch, drive over, or go near it for any reason. If possible, keep others away from the area and call 911 immediately,” the agencies advise.
Reports can be made to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
*This story was updated to include further information.
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