State installs barricades
at Kailua-Kona pier
KAILUA-KONA » Concrete barricades topped with 8-foot high wire fencing have been installed on Kailua Pier, one of many security measures at Hawaii's harbors, piers and ports as the state prepares tighter rules.
The new anti-terrorism rules, which will affect everyone from fishermen to paddlers, are set to go into effect July 1, required by the federal Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
Before the barricades were put in place Friday, the pier at the end of Alii Drive was completely open to the public and often crowded with swimmers, fishermen, paddlers and tourists.
Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and state Department of Land and Natural Resources met with more than 50 people in Kailua-Kona Friday evening to explain how the new regulations would impact commercial and recreational activities.
The new maritime security measures cover all regulated facilities, and include passenger and freight vessels.
While the Coast Guard has jurisdiction from the coast out to 100 nautical miles, each facility and vessel is charged with its own security.
Three levels of alert mimic the state's terrorism threat levels, said Lenny Terlip, the DLNR law enforcement chief for the Big Island.
» Level 1 is roughly equivalent to the threat level "orange" and includes no additional security measures."Generally, you would not feel any prohibitions if you walk on the pier right now," Terlip said. "We do not want to deny anyone the right to make money. We understand the needs of the recreational users and area businesses."» Level 2 calls for limited access to the pier.
» Level 3 reflects a specific, credible threat.
Specifics of each facility's plan are not being made public. Commercial operators and recreational users are being informed of changes, he said, even as details still are being ironed out.
The biggest impact will be on days when cruise ships visit Kailua Bay. According to Destination Kona Coast, up to 130 cruise ship stops are scheduled for 2004.
Under the tighter security levels, vehicle access to the pier may be limited to preapproved permit holders and those with proper identification. Refueling at the pier will be prohibited.
Because no two facilities are the same, each one across the country has developed its own plan under the Maritime Transportation Security Act, Terlip said.
Although the Coast Guard has not issued final approval for the Kailua Pier plan, authorities have been given permission to continue implementing their plan until at least Oct. 1.
Those who regularly use the state's facilities -- business operators, fishermen and paddlers -- are the best first defense, said Coast Guard Lt. Chris Lee, of the Sector Command Honolulu.
"They are there every day and know when something is not right and they should know who to call. We need to be aware," Lee said. "We want to make sure everything is in compliance. That is a lot easier than enforcement."
The new security guidelines are work in progress, said Nancy Murphy, Hawaii Island district manager of the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
Every effort will be made to accommodate paddling regattas and other community sporting events throughout the year, she said.
Community groups likely will be enlisted to help make the additional security measures more aesthetically pleasing, she said, by painting the barricades, adding plants and even a thatched roof to the secure area.
U.S. Coast Guard security
www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtmlDepartment of Land and Natural Resources
www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/