Portion of Waimea Nature Trail closed after unexploded ordnance found nearby

A portion of a nature trail in Waimea is temporarily closed Wednesday morning after the discovery of an unexploded ordnance nearby.

Waimea Nature Trail, from Opelo Road to Kahawai Street, was shuttered after Hawaiʻi Island police responded at about 8 a.m. off Opelo Road to the report of the object in the stream next to the trail.

The area was secured, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel were contacted.

The U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal division from O‘ahu was summoned after an initial assessment to further address the ordnance.

It is unknown when that portion of Waimea Nature Trail will reopen. No homes, businesses or roadways are affected.

Police remind the public about the “Three R’s” of explosives safety:

• RECOGNIZE when you might have encountered a munition, and that munitions are dangerous.
• RETREAT. Do not approach, touch, move or disturb it, but carefully leave the area.
• REPORT. Call 9-1-1 and advise police about what you saw and where you saw it.

For more information about ordnance safety, click here or visit the Hawai‘i Police Department website.