On Maui, more glass vials found

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

The state Department of Health yesterday reported the discovery of an additional 100 or so glass vials of mysterious fluid on Maui.

Janice Okubo, department spokeswoman, said a Pa'ia homeowner called authorities late last week following news of the discovery of glass vials in a home in Wilhelmina Rise on O'ahu.

The Maui vials are safe and secure for now, Okubo said, adding that a decision is pending on how to dispose of them.

"They are packaged and in pristine condition," she said. "There doesn't appear to be any risk."

Okubo said the homeowner believes the vials are filled with the same pesticide discovered in the O'ahu vials.

The Army used laser technology to help determine that the vials on O'ahu contained methyl bromide, a pesticide used as a delouser and fumigant against insects and rodents in food, tobacco and nursery stock.

Until recently, methyl bromide was used in Hawai'i pineapple fields, officials said.

Reach Timothy Hurley at (808) 244-4880 or thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com.