Gina Mangieri

The top pentagon official in charge of investigating chemical weapons disposal at sea briefed Hawaii lawmakers on Thursday.

Addison "Tad" Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army, is traveling the nation in response to congressional inquiries after KHON2 reported extensive chemical munitions dumped off Hawaii's shores.

A joint panel of state House and Senate lawmakers heard his report, with dozens of concerns citizens looking on.

"What we're trying to accomplish right now is probably the most comprehensive effort that's every been conducted to really determine what where when and how these disposal operations occurred," Davis said.

Those in attendance said they'd hoped to hear more concrete details but are glad to see something being done.

"The more pressure the public puts on the military the better, because we're such an ocean community, this touches every single person," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, who represents Waianae, Makaha and Makua.

The Pentagon says its full report on the extent of chemical weapons dumped off Hawaii and other coasts is expected early next year.