Bang Stick Confiscated at Kona Airport

A .44-caliber bang stick was confiscated from the carry-on bag of a passenger at Kona International Airport this past week.

The device used by divers as protection from sharks was one of two prohibited items seized at Hawaii airports, the Transportation Security Administration said in its weekly report today.

The other was a razor blade found concealed in a shoe of a passenger at Honolulu’s airport.

Bang sticks, or powerheads as the explosive portion is called, are used to ward off sharks and other predators.

Forty-three firearms also were seized at airports this past week, the TSA said. Thirty-six were loaded and 13 had rounds in the firing chamber.

According to the agency, firearms can be carried in check-in baggage after being declared to the airline. State and local firearms regulations also apply.

To prevent delays and possible arrest, the TSA advises travelers to make sure that no prohibited items are inside their baggage.