Suspicious device near Kahului school causes evacuation

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A suspicious item was discovered near the intersection of Lono Avenue between Hina Avenue and Laau Street in Kahului on Tuesday morning.

Initially thought to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the item was found on the roadside close to Kahului Elementary School.

As a precaution, law enforcement closed off Lono Avenue and evacuated residents while investigating the suspicious object. School staff were instructed to stay clear of the area.

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By 8:20 a.m., an SRT member along with an MPD Bomb Technician conducted an x-ray of the device. Upon closer examination, authorities determined it was more likely an improvised pyrotechnic device rather than an IED.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes and Lono Avenue was reopened before noon.