The files on computer compact disks were among items taken from the trunk of the car parked at Waimea Bay on June 14, according to Honolulu television station KHON. The report said the files were classified "top secret" and are still missing.

The files are so sensitive that President Bush was notified shortly after that they were taken, the station said, quoting unnamed sources.

"It's an ongoing FBI investigation and we're pretty much out of it," said Lt. Col. Chip Krokoski, a spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Command. He referred further inquires to the FBI in Honolulu where a spokesman did not immediately return a telephone call.

Krokoski said he could not comment on whether Bush had been personally advised about the theft or on the status of the files.

Four Army and Air Force officers were together when the documents were stolen, said a defense official in Washington who spoke on condition of anonymity.

None of the military sources would say whether all or any of the files are still missing.

Police identified for federal investigators a number of individuals who have been suspects in past break-ins at the popular beach, said Sgt. Robert Olmos at the Wahiawa police station.

"All we were told is that it was some highly classified information that involved national security," he said. "I don't know if they have picked anyone up yet."

Teams of federal agents on July 5 raided a home in Wahiawa in Central Oahu, in connection with the investigation, but residents there said they knew nothing about the theft.

"Just a whole barrage of cars came one time. It was scary. If you got children, it was scary for them because innocent bystanders can get hurt," said Tammy Simer, a neighbor, in a report broadcast by KHON.

Rose Wiley, another neighbor, estimated that 50 agents took part in the raid which she said came after agents had staked out the area for more than a week.

The neighbors were shown mug shots of suspects in the theft.

Waimea Bay is known for its spectacular surf during winter months and its clear and quiet waters and broad sand beach in the summer. As with many recreational parking areas in Hawaii, the beach lot is posted with signs warning of car break-ins.