Location
The former Popoki Target Area is located on the eastern side of Hawaii Island, District of Puna. The site is located just off Keaau Pahoa Road, Highway 130, next to the Ainaloa Estates and Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivisions. The site property contains a portion of Maku’u Farm Lots, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and an undeveloped State of Hawaii parcel.
History
The Popoki Target Area, approximately 640 acres of land, was acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II through sub-lease with W.H. Shipman. The site was reportedly used as a target practice area until the lease was canceled on November 1, 1945. After ground reconnaissance revealed deteriorating air-to-ground practice bombs, the site was determined in 1992 to be eligible for the Defense Environmental Restoration Program.
Investigations
In 2008, USACE investigated to identify the nature and extent of munitions in the Popoki Target Area. Multiple unexploded ordnances (UXO) including practice bombs with intact spotting charges and a hand grenade were found. Two areas of concern (AOCs), the maneuver area and bombing target, were identified for removal.
The Maneuver Area AOC is approximately 15 acres in area and is located at the western end of the original 640 acres. Hazards at the site consisted of a MKII hand grenade (fuze missing) and a trash pit containing 7.62mm, 50 caliber, and 37mm shell casings. The MK 2 HE hand grenade, if accidentally initiated, could kill or seriously injure a person holding or standing close to the item. The expended small arms casings and cartridges are of low risk.
The Bombing Target AOC is approximately 93 acres in area and is located near the center of the original 640 acres. Hazards at the site consisted of nine MK23 and two MK43 practice bombs, all with intact MK4 signal cartridges. Approximately 271 lbs of MD associated with the MK 23, MK 43, and M38A2 100- lb practice bomb was collected during the investigation.
Removal Actions
USACE conducted a removal in 2011 in the areas of concern to reduce the risk of exposure to UXO by the public. The removal disposed of 96 UXO and 9,400 lbs. of debris from the site including practice bombs and a 60mm mortar.
Current Site Status
After completing investigations, removals and implementation of public outreach, the site is currently in long-term management. This phase provides a process for monitoring and ensuring public protectiveness including on-going public outreach and education and five-year reviews of site conditions
Explosives Safety: Education and Training
Despite USACE’s discovery and removal actions, there is the potential that undiscovered UXO may remain in the area. As such, USACE has implemented an explosive safety outreach program to help protect the public from munitions risk in various project locations in the State of Hawaii.
The outreach program provides education and training at schools, community events, and organizational briefings to inform the public of the hazards of potential munitions and reduce or eliminate munitions risk using the guidance of the 3Rs (Recognize, Retreat, Report) of Explosives Safety Program. This training is also available from USACE upon request for private/non-profit organizations and government agencies.
Additionally, an annual 3Rs public safety awareness meeting is held every year for the Popoki Target Area announced with a public notice and letters to site landowners/beneficiaries.