Discovery of vials
forces evacuations

A Kaimuki woman finds a box
filled with unknown liquid

Three Kaimuki homes were evacuated yesterday after a woman who was cleaning under her house discovered a box of 100 vials containing an unknown liquid inside.

Fire Capt. Emmit Kane said military specialists have determined the shape of the vials are similar to those used in training test kits used in the Korean War or World War II.

Army experts from Maryland were en route to Honolulu to identify the unknown substance. The experts have special equipment to identify and remove the substance, Kane said.

Kane said the Fire Department had been called yesterday at 5:15 p.m. to 1611 Paula Drive.

The woman had been cleaning under her elevated house and discovered the box of vials a few days ago.

"She's been trying to dispose of these things for several days," Kane said.

The glass vials are about 6 inches long, 1 inch wide, have no caps and are sealed shut. Kane said there are no distinguishing marks on the vials.

The woman called different companies and finally called the state Department of Health Hazard Evaluation & Emergency Response Office, Kane said.

Personnel from that agency called police after seeing one of the vials, and the military was called.

Kane said the house is at the end of a lane.

Military specialists advised police and firefighters to secure the scene.

Residents were only allowed back into their homes to pick up a few personal items.

The Red Cross offered assistance, but the families will stay with relatives or friends, Kane said.