Several streets around the Waikiki Fire Station were reopened about 12:30 a.m. yesterday morning, about five hours after police closed the streets when someone left a box containing unknown chemicals at the station.

The box contained 15 bottles of chemicals, a fire department spokesman said. HFD hazardous materials specialists were assigned the task of determining the contents of the bottles.

Fire Capt. Frank Johnson said there were "concerns about the stability" of one of the chemicals, which had a potential to explode.

The box of chemicals was later placed in a police bomb squad container and taken from the site to be properly disposed of, Johnson said.

"We know who the individual is who dropped the box off at the Waikiki station," Johnson said. "It was never meant to be a threat or a prank or anything like that."

The chemicals were taken to the fire station by someone who was trying to do the right thing, Johnson said.

There is a telephone number listed under the city and county white pages Department of Environmental Services heading for "Household Hazardous Waste" disposal which, if called, can guide people in the proper disposal of such materials, Johnson said.

Bringing chemicals to a fire station is not part of the recommended procedure, he said.

Closed were Kapahulu Avenue from Kanaina to Kuhio avenues; Leahi Avenue from Kapahulu to Monsarrat avenues; and Paki Avenue from Kapahulu to Monsarrat avenues. Motorists reported traffic congestion in the area.