Man with inert grenades arrested at Hilo airport, released pending investigation

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawai‘i Police Department arrested 41-year-old Akito Fukushima for first-degree terroristic threatening early Tuesday morning.

According to Hawai‘i PD, Fukushima was released pending investigation, which is ongoing as of Friday.

Investigators are expected to present the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for review next week.

HPD said Fukushima was carrying two items resembling grenades that were detected during x-ray screening of his carry-on bag. The grenades were purchased at an army navy surplus store on island.

Fukushima is a Japanese national from Kanazawa, Japan departing the U.S. at the time of his arrest.

Police said that replicas of explosives, such as hand grenades, are prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage. TSA officers can also prohibit any item they believe poses as a security threat.