In late July and early August, the landfill was closed twice after a contractor discovered hundreds of World War II-era shells and Maui County officials called in a military ordnance disposal team from O'ahu. In both closures, the rusting shells were determined to be practice rockets and bombs that did not contain explosives, The Maui News reported.

The Army later issued a statement that the munitions had been rendered safe and were legally disposed of at the Moloka'i landfill as part of a federal cleanup project in 2004. Nearly 21,000 pounds of metallic debris came from the military's use of the Papohaku Ranchland property as a bombing target.

The contract for the Moloka'i landfill cleanup was awarded to American Technologies Inc. by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for nearly $185,500, according to Inouye's office. ATI is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

"The contract reflects the commitment of the U.S. and Maui County governments to ensure that the Moloka'i landfill is safe and does not pose a threat to the community," Inouye said.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares had asked Inouye to provide federal assistance to help remove ordnance from Moloka'i's west end, the senator's office said.

"We've been concerned about the safety of landfill users and our employees, so this is great news for the Moloka'i community," Tavares said.

"I appreciate Sen. Inouye's support and the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has been very cooperative throughout this difficult situation."