Takeoff rocky Hawaii's major airports struggle to return to normal yesterday, the second day of service after a two-day shutdown, but travelers faced long lines, frustration and an evacuation on Maui.
for state air travel
While most traffic flows better than
expected, security causes some delaysBy Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.comDomestic and interisland carriers are flying full or nearly full schedules. A few international airlines are also flying planes into Honolulu to ferry stranded passengers back home.
But Kahului Airport was evacuated last night because of a suspicious carry-on bag. That came after the state airports tried to get back into business after being closed for nearly two days following Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the East Coast. Increased security is causing some long lines.
All air taxis, including air ambulances, are being allowed to fly between the islands.
General aviation aircraft that fly under instrument flight rules and carry electronic identifying devices were also given the OK to take to the skies. Those that fly under visual flight rules are still grounded.
The state opened airfields at Hana and Kapalua on Maui, Upolu and Waimea on the Big Island and Port Allen on Kauai. Still closed are Princeville on Kauai, Mokuleia and Kalaeloa on Oahu and Kalaupapa on Molokai.Hawaiian Airlines also began carrying cargo and mail yesterday under a waiver granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, said Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Keoni Wagner.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation rescinded its traffic plan at Honolulu Airport designed to alleviate anticipated backups due to enhanced security measures.
Many travelers to the neighbor islands said they arranged to be dropped off rather than undergo a vehicle search to park their cars at the airport. So many chose to be dropped off that the number of cars waiting to enter the parking areas never exceeded four at any given time.
Richard Bibilone of Waipahu said it took almost no time at all to get through the security check at the parking entrance. "Only about a minute or so," he said.
But the check-in counters appeared more hectic as travelers stranded since Tuesday tried to reach their destinations.
The counters for Aloha Airlines appeared especially busy since the airline told its customers to go to the airport regardless of whether they have reservations or tickets.
"Our policy is that everyone who wants to fly should come down to try to get a ticket or reservation, whatever. We're saying that we're taking walk-ins and cancellations as standby," said Stu Glauberman, Aloha Airlines spokesman.
Aloha has been booking customers on the next available flight to their intended destination and giving them boarding passes so they can go to the gates to try to catch earlier flights on standby.
Only travelers with boarding passengers are allowed to go to the gates.
Hawaiian Airlines is advising its customers to secure reservations before going to the airport. For travelers whose flights were canceled this week, the airline is waiving the fee for changing reservations for flights between Sept. 11 and 25.
Many of the travelers said they accept the presence of soldiers in their bulletproof vests and M-16 rifles slung over their shoulders in terminals, but feel they are not necessary.
"It's intimidating," said J.J. Iaea.
The state has also stepped up security at all harbors. The Coast Guard has instituted new security procedures for all ports requiring cruise ships to screen its stores, supplies and passengers.
