CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Security officer Robert Yamada monitored traffic yesterday at a roadblock set up at a Honolulu Airport terminal.
Airport feels grip
of heightened alertThe government adds
90 screeners to keep
holiday travel smooth
Honolulu Airport has added 90 security screeners from other airports to get holiday travelers to their flights, the Transportation Security Administration said yesterday.
The screeners began work yesterday, a day after Gov. Linda Lingle raised Hawaii's terrorism alert level to orange, the first time the gauge has been lifted to the second- highest status.
Lingle raised the level to coincide with the national threat level, which was also lifted Sunday to orange, signifying a high threat of terrorist attacks.
Due to Hawaii's dependency on tourism, Honolulu Airport received additional screeners from the mainland and Guam, said Sidney Hayakawa, Honolulu's federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration. The additional screeners will work until after New Year's Day.
Travelers at the airport yesterday said they understood delays were to be expected during the holiday season and during the higher security level.
"I'm willing to put up with the delays," said Mark Magelssen, who regularly travels between his Aina Haina home on Oahu to Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Kauai, where he works as an emergency room physician.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
At Honolulu Airport yesterday, roadblocks were set up at entrances to terminals.
"This is about as busy as I've seen it," said Magelssen. "It seems to be moving, though."
To speed security screening, travelers are reminded not to wrap Christmas gifts and to avoid wearing clothing with metal objects, such as studded jackets or belts.
Carolyn Menegas, of Portland, Ore., who waited in a security line at the interisland terminal for 10 minutes, said she did not mind the slight delay.
"If that's what it takes, it's fine," said Menegas, who flew to Lihue yesterday for a week's stay. Menegas said the change will not cause her to alter her holiday plans.
Security checkpoints have been set up at all entrances to the airport, including Lagoon Drive, said state Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa.
Random checks are being conducted at all entrances, but every vehicle entering Honolulu Airport's parking structures will be checked, Hayakawa said.
Though officials have said that there has been no credible threat to Hawaii, city, state and federal authorities urged the public to remain vigilant while continuing with their daily activities and travel plans.
Authorities asked the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
Lowrey Leong, Maui County federal security director for the TSA, said the airport passenger lines have not been longer than usual because visitor traffic has not reached its holiday peak. Leong said he expects more visitors to travel through the airport after Christmas.
Security officers at Kahului Airport are randomly checking vehicles and restricting parking to at least 300 feet from the terminal.
Big Island security precautions include a variety of stepped-up measures, especially at airports and harbors, said Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Troy Kindred. The measures include random screening of vehicles at airports, he said.
The focus of county officials is on public utilities, specifically electric power, water supplies, telephone service and gas lines, said Big Island Mayor Harry Kim.
Private companies have added patrols and have impressed on their employees the need to be aware of "things that do not belong," such as vehicles in improper locations, Kim said.
The Oahu Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center at the Municipal Building has been activated, and increased security measures are in effect at state harbors.
The Coast Guard has added additional air, boat and cutter patrols, said Capt. Tim Skuby.
Star-Bulletin reporters Gary Kubota and Rod Thompson contributed to this report.BACK TO TOP |
Stock up on staples
Recommended preparations for an orange terrorist alert level:
and spare batteries>> Exercise caution and anticipate delays at airports.
>> Arrive at the airport at least 1 1/2 hours before an interisland flight and two to three hours before a mainland or international flight.
>> Maintain a three-day supply of food, clothing and medication, as well as a battery-operated radio with spare batteries.
>> Avoid leaving unattended parcels and bags in public areas.
>> Monitor world and national events as well as government advisories.
>> Report suspicious activities by calling 911.
>> Maintain normal activities but heighten your awareness.
>> Check on elderly neighbors or those with special needs.
>> For more information, see www.hawaiiredcross.org or www.tsatraveltips.us.
Sources: American Red Cross, Oahu Civil Defense Agency
