Special Report

UXO: Lethal Legacy

About The Series

Nearly 80 years after World War II ended for the Solomon Islands more than 20 people a year are still killed or seriously injured by unexploded ordnance, left behind when Japan, the U.S. and its Allies went home.

Unlike other war-torn nations that have benefited from millions of dollars in aid to clear leftover munitions, the Solomon Islands has been largely left without help.

Now, following a recent rise in reported incidents, there is a renewed call for the U.S. and Japan to return to the South Pacific nation – the second poorest in the region – and clean up the deadly mess they left behind.

World War II Is Still Killing People In The Solomon Islands Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 1: World War II Is Still Killing People In The Solomon Islands

As China and the U.S. jockey for control of the Pacific, little attention is being paid to the bombs that litter the island nation.

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Other Countries Get Money To Clean Up Bombs And Mines. Why Not The Solomon Islands? Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 2: Other Countries Get Money To Clean Up Bombs And Mines. Why Not The Solomon Islands?

International treaties have directed billions of dollars to countries ravaged by war. But World War II was a long time ago in the Solomons and help has passed it by.

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The Solomon Islands Is Doing Little To Help Its People Deal With Deadly UXO Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 3: The Solomon Islands Is Doing Little To Help Its People Deal With Deadly UXO

Citizens in the Pacific nation are growing frustrated with continued deaths and injuries. But government officials point to more pressing needs and political turmoil.

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What’s Next For The Solomon Islands? Experts Say The UXO Problem Is Shocking Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 4: What’s Next For The Solomon Islands? Experts Say The UXO Problem Is Shocking

But not much can be done until a U.S.-funded nationwide survey documents where the unexploded bombs are located.

 

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The Days Of The Army Leasing Land In Hawaii For $1 Are Likely Over. But What’s Next? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Chapter 5: The Days Of The Army Leasing Land In Hawaii For $1 Are Likely Over. But What’s Next?

The Board of Land and Natural Resources is trying to determine how the state should value thousands of acres long used for military training before leases expire.

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State Rejects Army Analysis Of Its Impact On Oʻahu Training Sites Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Chapter 6: State Rejects Army Analysis Of Its Impact On Oʻahu Training Sites

The Board of Land and Natural Resources delivers a second blow to the Army as it attempts to continue using state land.

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How Far Will $500M Go To Clean Up Army Bombs Left In Hawaiʻi? Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 7: How Far Will $500M Go To Clean Up Army Bombs Left In Hawaiʻi?

Gov. Josh Green has requested billions in investments for the military to continue training on state lands, including funds for cleaning military waste. Native Hawaiian groups say the community should spearhead the cleanup. 

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