The ordnance discovered by Maui Police near Puleu Road on July 30 was identified by bomb experts as a 3.5-inch MK1&2 armor piercing round. Photo courtesy MPD

Maui police requested the assistance of the Hawaii Inter-Island Bomb Squad Maui unit on Wednesday following reports of a possible military ordnance discovered off Pulehu Road, about a quarter mile mauka of the Central Maui Landfill.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. Wednesday. Maui police said the person who called in the report said the item, identified as a “bomb shell,” appeared to be intact and had been accidentally picked up.

Upon arrival, the bomb squad conducted an initial assessment and noticed the ordnance lacked a fusing system or any initiators.

According to Maui police, the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal was contacted and requested X-ray imaging of the device. Based on the images taken, the ordnance was identified as a 3.5-inch MK1&2 armor piercing round, which appears to be filled with solid steel and does not contain any fuse components.

The ordnance was recovered for safekeeping and secured by police until explosive experts can coordinate its disposal at a later date.

As a precaution, Pulehu Road was temporarily closed while the initial assessment and consultation were carried out. The road was reopened approximately one hour later, and no injuries were reported.

Police remind the public to avoid handling any suspected ordnance and to contact authorities immediately upon discovery.