Ordnance disposal experts sift Waikane

Advertiser Staff

Military ordnance experts are sweeping Waikane Valley for unexploded ordnance as part of the first phase of a boundary fence replacement project.

Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in July announced it was considering a return to the 187-acre site for the first time since 1976 for jungle training with blanks or paintball guns.

Marine Corps officials said additional jungle warfare training grounds are needed, and Waikane Valley's remoteness and terrain would provide an ideal environment.

Officials announced yesterday that Air Force explosive ordnance disposal personnel are assisting the Marine Corps in the sweep, which began Tuesday and will continue through Oct. 21.

Area residents can expect increased noise with the possible detonation of left-over ordnance that may be found, officials said.

The Marine Corps said it would take approximately six to nine months to complete an environmental assessment before any training could begin.