Tour boats are seen along the edge of Molokini crater in a photo from 2019. Two undetonated World War II ordnance will be left in place while state officials work to establish a nonexplosive method of removal, state officials said Wednesday. The Maui News / TERRIE ELIKER photo

The Maui News

Two undetonated World War II ordnance off Molokini Crater will be left in place until a nonexplosive removal option is developed, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday.

The decision not to detonate the munitions in place is based on an assessment from the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board, conducted at the state’s request, DLNR said.

Environmentalists, community members and lawmakers expressed concern over the handling of unexploded WWII ordnance in the waters off the crater and were opposed to detonating the devices in place for fear of possible irreversible damage to coral reefs, ocean life and the island itself. Detonations in place had been done in the past to remove dangerous munitions from the popular snorkeling site.

“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,” said DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case. “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 (unexploded ordnance) safety.” 

They are: recognize, retreat and report (call 911 and the Health Department Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response office at (808) 586-5815).

“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,” said DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson. “We value the input these operators provided in reaching the decision.”

Neilson also referenced the large number of letters and inquiries from the public, especially those opposing detonation in place.

“This high level of support for a nondestructive solution opened up mitigation options not previously on the table,” he said.

The state is continuing to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pursue a nondestructive method to remove the unexploded bombs completely.

“However, the leave-in-place option provides time to explore new technology and options,” DLNR said in its news release.

State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said his department is supportive of the decision to manage the munitions in place with safety measures “until the hazard can be completely removed in the future.”

With safety the foremost consideration, Anderson said the department encourages people in the waters at Molokini who come upon munitions to follow local guidance and practice the 3Rs of unexploded ordnance safety.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has updated navigation charts to notify mariners of the hazards in the area.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who has worked to secure funding to clean up formerly used defense sites, had requested information from the DLNR about plans for the Molokini unexploded ordnance.

“This is the right call for our community and for our marine environment,” Schatz said. “I urge boat tours and independent divers to continue to follow the advice of local officials so that the public can enjoy Molokini Crater safely. I thank the Army and the state for working together to find a solution that protects our environment and keeps people safe.”