Second suspect arrested in Maui explosives case

Courtesy of the FBI The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maui Police Department are investigating improvised explosive devices left in the Kahului and Pukalani neighborhoods on Maui, according to a joint statement from the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office and the Maui Metropolitan Police.

A 43-year-old Kuli man was arrested in connection with the discovery of improvised explosive devices found Aug. 7 near Kaamana Street in Kuli, the Maui Police Department said.

The arrest of Jess Lee of Kula was the result of a “coordinated effort” by the MPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The Maui Police Department, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, continues to actively investigate last month’s incidents,” Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said in a statement. “This joint effort underscores our shared commitment to justice and keeping our community safe.”

According to an MPD press release, the investigation is ongoing and no further details can be provided at this time.

“Our primary goal is to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation in refraining from speculation during this critical phase,” Pelletier said.

Lee’s arrest is the second in a joint MPD-FBI investigation into a series of explosive devices left on Maui, one of which exploded and damaged a sport utility vehicle.

On Aug. 13, a federal judge ordered the 47-year-old from Kahului held without bail following his Aug. 10 arrest on a federal warrant charging Dumaran with possession of an “unregistered destructive device and attempted property damage with explosives.”

On July 23, Maui Police officers encountered an improvised explosive device placed near Lono Avenue in Kahului, in the roadway next to Kahului Elementary School.

The explosive device contained gunpowder, a battery and shrapnel, and Dumaran’s fingerprints were allegedly found on the device.

near Kaamana Street in Kula on August 7 and an explosive device explosion that destroyed a white KIA SUV in Pukalani on August 8.

in connection with each of these events.

Lee was charged in connection with an explosive device found on Aug. 7.

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