Summary

  • Passengers arrested trying to travel with dangerous items in Hawaii airports, causing evacuations and disruptions.
  • Strict rules in place for carrying firearms and ammunition on flights, must be unloaded and in specified cases.
  • TSA encourages travelers to contact them with questions about what items are allowed on flights to avoid issues.

There were two instances of passengers being arrested after attempting to travel with arms and ammunition at major airports in Hawaii. Both travelers were detained and later arrested.

Grenades at Hilo International Airport

On July 11th, 2024, passengers starting their day at Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the island of Hawaii had a rough time after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents found two grenades while conducting X-ray screening of a traveler’s carry-on luggage at around 5.30 am.

Hawaiian Airlines shutterstock_2285800309

Photo: MC MEDIASTUDIO | Shutterstock

The area had to be evacuated when the bombs were found to protect employees and travelers until bomb disposal units could be brought in. However, no one was in any imminent danger, as it turns out that the grenades were inactive and were rendered powerless.

The luggage belonged to a 41-year-old Japanese national, Akito Fukushima, who was departing the US but would not say where his final destination was. How he obtained the grenades, what he planned to do with them, or even if he knew they were inert, is still being determined.

According to Hawaii News Now, police said that Fukushima was arrested for first-degree terroristic threatening and cooperating with officials during the arrest. Hawaii County Police Captain Brian Prudencio had this to say:

“We remind the public to be mindful of what they travel with. If they have any questions, contact the TSA for any items that — whether or not they question, what they can travel with.”

The airport’s security checkpoint reopened at 6:50 a.m., one hour and twenty minutes after the initial discovery. Passengers should be aware that grenades of any type, including replicas, are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.

Live ammunition at Honolulu International Airport

On July 12th, 2024, passengers faced security disruptions at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) after TSA agents found live ammunition in a man’s carry-on bag during a routine check.

A Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330

Photo: MC MEDIASTUDIO | Shutterstock

The 35-year-old man, named Anthony Fuller, was arrested after several rounds of ammunition were found in her carry-on. Matters escalated after local law enforcement in the Sheriff’s office later found out that Fuller was a convicted felon and was unable to possess ammunition.

Fuller was taken into custody by Deputy sheriffs and is being charged with two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition and one count of violation of an order for protection. In addition, Fuller violates another class-B felony offense, which is possessing ammunition illegally with a felony conviction. If convicted, Fuller could spend up to 10 years behind bars.

Firearms and ammunition in airports

Airlines in the US often allow passengers to carry unloaded firearms and ammunition to their destinations. However, there are strict rules to adhere to.

The weapons must be unloaded and transported as checked baggage in hard-sided, locked cases that cannot be easily pried open or tampered with. Gun cases over 70 lbs (32 kg) are not permitted.

A Hawaiian Airbus A330-200 Flying in the sky.

Photo: DLeng I Shutterstock

Ammunition can be transported with a limitation of 11 lbs (5 kg) per person. The ammunition must be packaged to protect against shock and movement. It must be transported in its original packaging or wooden or metal boxes. The ammo cannot be loose or loaded into a clip.

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