Coast Guard officials in Hawaii are working to comply with new port security measures. Hubert Pasion, of Kaneohe, and his two children, Justin and Celeste, watched at Sand Island Park as the crane barge Western Carrier arrived in Honolulu Harbor in September.
Coast Guard steps up
securityFederal laws require new measures
at all ports by July 1
To protect Hawaii's lifeline, Coast Guard officials are working "feverishly" to comply with new national and international security measures at ports by July 1.
"It's critical for us to secure our ports," said Lt. Chris Lee, assistant chief of the Coast Guard's Operational Readiness Department. "We get so much of our goods through the water. It's our lifeline. We are working to protect that lifeline through a layered approach to security."
Safety Measures
Here is a list of some security measures for the Coast Guard under the new requirements:» Board every foreign-flagged vessel that enters a U.S. port on the first visit on or after July 1.
» Deny entry into U.S. waters for vessels that do not comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
» Track vessels coming from foreign ports that do not comply with or participate in the international security code. A delay might occur until the status of the vessel is verified by the Coast Guard.
» Visit countries to evaluate their port security measures.
» Exchange information and provide training to foreign countries to assist with interpretation and implementation of the new rules.
SOURCE: U.S. COAST GUARD
Measures include controlling access, monitoring activity and screening personnel, baggage, cargo and vehicles.
Under the 2002 Maritime Transportation Security Act and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, vessels and facilities must enhance security measures to protect the nation's ports and waterways from a terrorist attack.
All U.S. ports are required to develop security plans and send them to a center on the mainland to be reviewed.
"Now the plans are coming back to us for final approval and fine-tuning. ... We're starting to approve some plans as we get closer and closer to July," Lee said. "We are working feverishly to get in compliance."
Coast Guard officials are working closely with city, state and federal agencies to meet the deadline.
"This is all a true partnership. Not one person can do security by themselves," said ports Capt. Tim Skuby.
Last October, the Coast Guard hired five additional full-time employees to ensure that Hawaii meets its July 1 security deadline.
"They're helping to review the security plan, conduct facility security assessment and coordinate the area maritime security committee," said Lee, whose department covers a large portion of waterfront facilities that include piers, cargo, fuel and cruise ship terminals.
"We have over 60 facilities' security plans for the Central Pacific," Lee said.
Three months ago the Coast Guard formed a committee made up of officials who regulate or use Hawaii's ports to discuss ways to increase security.
Committees were established at all U.S. ports, according to the Coast Guard.
"We are an island. We are surrounded by water. That creates vulnerability for us," said Sidney Hayakawa, director of the Transportation Security Administration in Hawaii and member of the Pacific Area Maritime Security Committee. The committee is working to identify weaknesses, Hayakawa said.
Lee noted that security is "significantly greater" under the new law.
"All baggages are checked nowadays when boarding a cruise ship," he said. "It's similar security to the airport. ... All levels of security stepped up with the new law."
The Coast Guard has also administered periodic drills and exercises with local and federal agencies.
"We will continue to work with our department to make sure if something does happen, we know what to do in a unified command," Lee said. "We will continue to drill and conduct exercises in addition to implementing the new law to ensure that we are prepared."
