Thank you for your 300,000+ signatures, countless shares, and continuous support. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural resources announced yesterday that, after extensive input from the Army's Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DESB), the two UXOs found near Molokini Crater will simply be left in place. Safety measures are being implemented, but the UXOs will not be removed at this time.
DNLR chairperson 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."
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson cites public involvement as one of the reasons for this announcement: "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."
Together, the State and the US Army Corp of Engineers will continue to explore options for the non-destructive removal of these UXOs. In the meantime, the bombs will remain untouched. Navigation charts have been updated to alert mariners to the presence of the UXOs and the public is encouraged to follow the advice of local officials and permitted dive and snorkel operators.
As a reminder, should you ever encounter a UXO, follow the 3 R's of UXO safety:
- Recognize
- Retreat
- Report: call 911 and the DOH HEER Office at (808) 586-5815
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Link to the 08/19/2020 DLNR press release:
Link to the related 08/20/2020 Maui News article: