Full Notification

Hawaiʻi Police Department
South Kohala Patrol
Acting Captain Roylen Valera
Phone: (808) 887-3080
Report No.:  24-017678

Media Release

Hawai‘i Island police are reminding the public about steps to take when they encounter unexploded ordnance (UXO) after responding to a call of possible UXO discovered off of  Waikoloa Road Thursday morning, February 22, 2024. 

South Kohala patrol officers responding to the 8:00 a.m. call determined the presence of the ordnance in the middle of a field, but could not determine its volatility. Due to the remote location of the site, no homes, businesses, or roadways were affected and police are coordinating with the U. S. Army Explosive Ordnance Division for disposal of the 75 mm projectile. 

Police are taking this opportunity to remind Hawai‘i Island residents of the three R’s when dealing with explosives:  “Recognize, Retreat, and Report.”  

•    Recognize – when you may have encountered a munition, and that munitions are dangerous.
•    Retreat – do not approach, touch, move, or disturb it, but carefully leave the area.
•    Report – call and advise the police of what you saw and where you saw it.

Residents who may find explosives should leave the area and when at a safe distance, call 911 or the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.