KIPU — A rancher who had cleared his leased land with a bulldozer in Kilohana Crater recently discovered a live ordnance, a county news release said Wednesday. William Fleming called police to notify them about his discovery. The old military
KIPU — A rancher who had cleared his leased land with a bulldozer in Kilohana Crater recently discovered a live ordnance, a county news release said Wednesday.
William Fleming called police to notify them about his discovery.
The old military artillery shell was 20 inches long and measured 5.5 inches in diameter.
Police responded and then contacted the U.S. Army 706 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit in Schofield on O‘ahu for assistance.
Two members of the EOD Unit, Sgt. Aaron Smeathers and PFC Douglas Shotts, arrived on Kaua‘i Tuesday afternoon.
After determining their course of action, the military personnel set up explosives with a timing device next to the ordnance, and then detonated the ordnance by remote control.
The affected area was then checked, cleared of debris and deemed safe for passage.
The artillery was probably used for training missions during WWII, according to Smeathers.
