Unexploded ordnance discovery closes Hapuna Beach

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii – Hapuna Beach State Park was closed this morning, after a possible unexploded ordnance was found by a diver in waters off the park. The diver brought the object ashore to the park concession area.

The state says Hawaii County Police evacuated the public when the Department of Land and Natural Resources made the decision to close the popular Kohala Coast beach. The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement established a safety perimeter around the concession area where the object still remains.

According to a DLNR media release:

DLNR

“Hawaii County Fire Department and Police Departments were notified and DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) contacted the U.S. Army Schofield Barracks unexploded ordnance unit. A team of UXO experts is expected to arrive on the Big Island this afternoon and will determine what further action will be taken.”

DLNR decided to keep the Waialea section open.

Unexploded ordnance has been found at Hapuna in the past. The explosives are most likely left over from World War II era military activity.