Highly flammable cylinders such as this have been washing up on Ma'ili Beach. Army officials are warning residents not to touch the objects. Courtesy U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i

The Army said the approximately inch-long olive and brownish cylindrical charges are highly flammable and extremely sensitive to friction and static electricity.

Army officials responded to public calls after the charges started washing up on the beach. The source of the charges is unknown, and a Schofield Barracks official was unsure how many were found.

The Army cautioned that the charges should not be touched, and anyone who has them should put them in water. The fire department or police should be contacted and those officials will coordinate with the military for disposal, officials said.

Preliminary examination has led to the possibility the propellant is Navy in origin, and possibly was used for large-bore guns. The Navy said it was looking into the discovery.