Inouye, who was asked by Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares to provide federal assistance to help remove stray ordnance from Molokai's west end, said: "A certified environmental restoration company, contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, found approximately 670 pieces of munitions debris. None contained explosives. The successful cleanup means the Molokai landfill is safe; it does not pose a threat to the community.

"I wish to thank Maui County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the contractor, American Technologies, Inc., which is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, for a job well done."

The munitions debris, packed in containers, was shipped from Molokai yesterday and will arrive at Honolulu Harbor today. From Honolulu, the material will be shipped to Long Beach, California, where it will be sent to a metal recycling plant to be smelted.