Honolulu Gets Tsunami Radiation Detection Device

Honolulu officials have acquired a device that will allow for detecting radiation on any debris from the Japan tsunami.

City officials say debris arriving in Hawaii is unlikely to be radioactive, but the $15,000 hand-held device is a precaution. KITV reports the machine was paid for with funding from the Department of Homeland Security.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports the Smiths Detection Rad-Seeker arrived Friday, the same day it was confirmed that a blue plastic bin found floating off Waimanalo is Japan tsunami debris.

City officials showed off the device at a news conference Sunday, demonstrating how it not only detects radiation, but also the type.