HPD, Feds Respond to Suspicious Device on Vehicle

An incident surrounding a suspicious device attached to a vehicle towed by a Big Island towing company is being investigated by the Hawai’i Police Department.

Authorities say the company, located in South Kohala, received a phone call at about 9:40 a.m. Tuesday from an individual about a car in its possession.

The owner of the company looked at the vehicle and noticed a device that resembled a “pipe bomb” attached to the front of the vehicle.

HPD officers responded to the scene, where they conferred with United States Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal personnel about the device. After receiving photographs, EOD personnel flew to Waimea from Oahu. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents also flew to the island.

Officials say the device was disassembled Tuesday night and it was determined that the contents were not explosive.

Detectives from HPD’s Area II Criminal Investigations Division will continue to investigate the incident. The FBI and ATF will assist in the investigation.

Twelve homes with a total of 21 occupants in the Nani Waimea subdivision were evacuated as personnel worked to identify and disassemble the device.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or the device should HPD’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.