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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, November 2, 1999


Interisland traveler
feels singled out

Question: I fly Aloha Airlines to Hilo from Honolulu almost every week. When I check in, the airline employee often sticks a red label onto my ticket and onto my check-in luggage. When I present my ticket at the gate, the collector sets my ticket aside, separate from those of other passengers.

I usually make a reservation for the flight to Hilo, but because I'm not sure when I'll conclude my business, I leave my return open until the day before I fly back. I use Aloha coupons because of the small discount offered.

When I asked the check-in clerk why this was happening to me, he said I fit two of seven security criteria the airline has for flagging people. This is very embarrassing to me. What are the criteria and do I have to go through this every single time?

Answer: Aloha Airlines says it can't specify what its security measures are because of, well, security reasons. And unfortunately, it cannot guarantee that you won't be subjected to the procedure again.

In general, federal law mandates every airline operating from a U.S. airport, including interisland airlines, to comply with stringent security measures, said Aloha Air public relations manager Julie King. "These measures cover a wide spectrum of activities that go on at the airport."

The measures were set up after international and domestic terrorist groups began targeting airlines, she said. In response, the Gore Commission on Aviation Safety was formed to come up with recommendations to protect travelers.

When asked about the seven criteria you mentioned, King said, "That's not necessarily correct."

"Regrettably, the comments by Aloha's customer service agent were misleading," she said. However, she said she cannot disclose specific details of the security measures.

Also, asked if you would have to endure the extra scrutiny as a matter of course, King said she couldn't guarantee it would not happen again. "All passengers are subject to the security measures," she said. "They're designed to make traveling safer for the passenger."

Tax volunteers needed

AARP is looking for volunteers to help staff its Tax-Aide program, run jointly with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free counseling, information and tax return preparation. Last year it helped more than 37,900 people.

Training is provided in January and all volunteers must pass an IRS exam. They must serve a minimum of four hours a week during the tax preparation season.

Interested? Call Earle Gates, 395-4846 on Oahu; Sets Fukushima, 959-4771 on the Big Island; Dorothy Hew, 572-8633 on Maui; and Molly Rowe, 245-7790 on Kauai. Call 1-888-227-7669 for more information.

Mahalo

To Darren Borden of Honolulu, who returned my wallet after discovering it on the road while driving on Kalanianaole Highway and backtracking on foot just to pick it up. He declined a reward, claiming there are plenty of people who would have done the same, though my family and I thought my wallet was lost for good. Thank you for your kindness and for showing us that the aloha spirit is still out there. -- A.F.

Auwe

To whoever took my 3-year-old grandson's Bible, which he mistakenly left at Holy Family Catholic Church on Oct. 17. It has his name in it. If you would kindly return it to the church on Main Street, off Nimitz Highway, the church will call us. -- Judy





Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com




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