HILO >> Hawaii Air and Army National Guard personnel could be assigned for up to six months to guard island airports as early as today under an executive order signed by Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday. Hawaii Guard to
protect airportsBy Rod Thompson and Gregg K. Kakesako
rthompson@starbulletin.com
gkakesako@starbulletin.comThe action follows a request for such security to the nation's governors from President Bush.
"The president's request for the governors to activate National Guard troops to provide interim security at our airports is a solid step forward in assuring the American people and the world that our airports are secure for travel," Cayetano said.
The governor said he received the request during a 5 a.m. conference call conducted by U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Michael Jackson with governors nationwide.
Paul Casey, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines, said he was encouraged by President Bush's call for stepped-up security.
"I think, in general, anything that makes the public feel that flying is safe again is a good thing," Casey said. "It's good for the industry and it's good for the state of Hawaii."
He said he did not think the added measures would be an inconvenience to passengers.
The governor would not say how many troops would be assigned to state airports. A national report said the president requested 4,000 to 5,000 troops to be stationed at 420 airports around the nation.
Maj. Chuck Anthony, Hawaii National Guard spokesman, said volunteers from the 3,000-member Army Guard and 2,500-member Air Guard will be sought first.
The governor wants the airmen and soldiers to take up their positions no later than Oct. 7, Anthony said.
Federal officials requested a uniformed law enforcement presence at "key screening posts," Cayetano said. The wording left open the possibility that Guard personnel might not be posted at every airport in the state, he said.
Cayetano, who was in Hilo yesterday meeting with business leaders about the state's economic crisis, said he would meet with his Cabinet members to discuss specific plans.
Federal officials told the governors the troops should be at the airports for about six months. That should give the president and Congress time to propose and pass legislation to put into place civilian security agents meeting federal standards. Security is now done by private companies paid for by airline fees.
"These personnel will augment security at our airports during the estimated six-month transition period the federal government needs to take over responsibility for airport security from the air carriers," Cayetano said.
Immediately following the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, Cayetano placed Hawaii Air and Army National Guard personnel on active duty to patrol only the Honolulu Airport. Those soldiers and airmen remained on state active duty until Sept. 21.
The federal government will pay the cost of posting this latest cadre of National Guard troops.
Star-Bulletin reporter B.J. Reyes contributed to this report.
