Man arrested with explosive grenades at Hilo airport and released pending investigation

Mug shot of Akito Fukushima, who was arrested at Hilo International Airport for making terrorist threats.

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Police Department arrested 41-year-old Akito Fukushima early Tuesday morning on charges of first-degree terroristic threatening.

According to Hawaii police, Fukushima has been cleared pending the completion of the investigation, which has been ongoing since Friday.

Investigators are expected to submit the case to prosecutors for review next week.

HPD said Fukushima was carrying two items that resembled grenades that were discovered during an X-ray of his carry-on luggage. The grenades were purchased at an Army-Navy store on the island.

Fukushima is a Japanese national from Kanazawa, Japan, who was leaving the United States at the time of his arrest.

Police say replica explosives such as hand grenades are prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage. TSA officers can also ban any item they deem to pose a security threat.