The FBI and the Maui Police Department (MPD) advise an explosion on Old Haleakala Highway on August 8 was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) which had been placed in a nearby trash receptacle. The explosion struck a passing vehicle, and the driver was transported and released.

The FBI and MPD have identified and collected several IEDs which vary in size and shape and have rendered them safe. The recovered devices have been located along roadways between Kahului and Kula, and were concealed from view in trash receptacles or other areas outside of plain view. The FBI and MPD continue to urge the public to be cautious of any unknown object. The recovered device from our August 8 press release is a 7-inch x 4-inch cylinder shape. Forensic review is ongoing to determine how these devices were configured to detonate.

The FBI and MPD continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity that could present a threat to public safety, such as someone leaving an object unattended in a public space. If you see a suspicious or unknown object, especially near any street or road, do not touch, drive over, or go near it for any reason. If possible, keep others away from the area and call 911 immediately.

If you have information, or if you suspect you know someone who could be responsible for these devices, please report it immediately to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Any detail–no matter how small–may be useful in identifying those responsible and preventing any future threats to our community’s safety.

*For all media inquiries, please contact Honolulu_FBI_PAO@fbi.gov.