WAILUKU — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released proposed plans for clearing munitions and explosives from a Maui area that was used for bombing practice during World War II. ADVERTISING WAILUKU — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
WAILUKU — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released proposed plans for clearing munitions and explosives from a Maui area that was used for bombing practice during World War II.
The former bombing area at Kanahena Point in Makena is mostly barren lava, with some vegetation. It’s part of a natural area reserve. Kanahena Point has heiau, burials, trails, shelters, caves, fishpond complexes, ranching walls and a lighthouse site.
The 14th Naval District used the point for bombing practice beginning around June 1945 until shortly after the war ended later that year. Previous investigations showed suspected munitions include machine gun rounds and practice bombs.
The preferred option would cost $1.6 million. It involves removing munitions and explosives that are visible on the surface or in crevices or gaps in the lava rock about 200 acres south of Makena Alanui Road, Wailuku newspaper, The Maui News reported. The munitions and explosives would be detonated there or moved and disposed of by an authorized recycler. Signs would be posted to warn the public of potential hazards.
It’s estimated the plan can be implemented within 18 months, according to the corps.
An alternative option involves a complete surface removal of all 636 acres south of Makena Alanui Road at a cost of $4.3 million. The corps said this alternative is rated lower for implementation because the rugged terrain of the site is difficult to traverse.
A public meeting is scheduled Wednesday at Lokelani Intermediate School to discuss all the proposed alternatives. Representatives from corps and the state Department of Health will be there to answer questions and take comments.
