MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Land and Natural Resources closed Hapuna Beach State Park Friday morning (except for the Waialea section, which remained open) due to possible unexploded ordnance (UXO) found by a diver in waters off the park.

The diver brought the object ashore to the park concession area.

County fire and police officials were notified and DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) contacted the U.S. Army Schofield Barracks unexploded ordnance unit.

A team of UXO experts was expected to arrive Friday afternoon on the Big Island to determine what further action will be taken.

Meanwhile the public was evacuated by County Police and DOCARE and a safety perimeter established around the concession area.