Honolulu – There are no plans to ‘detonate-in-place,” two WWII era munitions in waters off Molokini Crater in Maui County. The decision, announced today, is based on an assessment from the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DESB) conducted at the State’s request.
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We appreciate all of the public feedback and concur with the Army’s DESB assessment that the best approach is to leave these two bombs in the ocean, where they have been for the past 70 years. Given their locations and the ocean depth of one of the unexploded munitions, along with consultation with permitted dive and snorkel operators, the recommendation is for everyone to practice the 3 R’s of UXO safety.”
The 3 R’s are:
Recognize
Retreat
Report: call 911 and the DOH HEER Office at (808) 586-5815
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson commented, “We are confident that all of the commercial dive and snorkel operators who take people into the Molokini Marine Life Conservation District have a vested interest, not only in the safety of their customers, but also in the vitality of the aquatic resources that draw people to Molokini. We value the input these operators provided in reaching the decision.” He added, “We also appreciate the large number of letters and inquiries we received by members of the community. This high level of support for a non-destructive solution opened-up mitigation options not previously on the table”. The State continues to work with the US Army Corp of Engineers to pursue a non-destructive method to remove the UXO completely, however the leave-in-place option provides time to explore new technology and options.
State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “People’s safety is always the Dept. of Health’s first and foremost consideration, so we’re
