UPDATE: SRT Unit Responds to Kīhei Jack In the Box
UPDATE: 8:39 p.m. 5.6.17:
Maui police responded to the Jack In the Box on South Kīhei Road at around 10:41 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017, where a report was made that a male had “what looked like an explosive device strapped to his chest” and was wearing a backpack with an antennae sticking out.
Officers arrived and found a backpack with wires and an antennae sticking out of it, tied to a railing next to the store. Police detained a 50-year-old man during the investigation.
The building and surrounding area was evacuated and South Kīhei Road was closed between Līpoa and Piʻikea for the duration.
Maui Police Lt. Gregg Okamoto said police investigated the backpack and found that it did not contain any explosives. Police also searched the male and did not find anything other than a plastic tray under his shirt.
The building and roadway were reopened at around 3 p.m. Police say the male was not arrested. There were no injuries or property damage reported.
UPDATE: 1:22 p.m. 5.5.17: Maui police say South Kīhei Road has since been re-opened. Maui Police Lt. Gregg Okamoto tells Maui Now that the item was determined not to be dangerous.
Maui Police have closed South Kīhei Road between Līpoa and Piʻikea in South Maui due to a suspicious item found at the Kīhei Jack In the Box.
Police are on scene investigating. The response includes members of the Maui Police Department’s Special Response Team, and Hazmat crews with the Maui Fire Department.
Sources tell us there is a suspicious individual on scene.
The incident was reported at around 10:41 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017.
Motorists should use an alternate route.
*Please check back for updates which will be posted as they become available.