Japanese man arrested at Hawaii airport for allegedly having inert grenades in his luggage.

The terminal at Hawaii’s Hilo International Airport was temporarily evacuated after a bomb squad investigated the potential threat posed by items resembling grenades. A Japanese man was arrested when security screeners allegedly discovered two grenade-like items in his bag, which were later confirmed to be inert, according to local police.

A statement from the Hawaii Police Department explained, “Personnel responded to a report by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff that two items resembling grenades were detected during x-ray screening within a carry-on bag.”

Officers evacuated the terminal area and suspended airport operations while a bomb squad determined the items to be inert grenades. The 41-year-old man from Kanazawa, Japan, identified as Akito Fukushima, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening. Authorities are still investigating the origin and intended use of the grenades.

“He cooperated with officials, however, it is undetermined at this time as detectives are continuing their investigation,” said Hawaii Police Captain Brian Prudencio to Khon2 local television station. Fukushima is currently held at the East Hawaii detention facility while the investigation continues. Airport operations resumed just over an hour after the suspension.

“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,” Prudencio advised.

Lorie Dankers, a spokesperson for the TSA, emphasized, “When a traveller brings any type of grenade to the airport, it causes operations to shut down and delays travellers. Please, be aware of the contents of your luggage prior to coming to the airport to avoid this type of situation from occurring.”

The TSA strictly prohibits replicas of explosives, including hand grenades, in both checked and carry-on luggage.