Hawai'i gets grant for harbor security

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Hawai'i has received a $650,000 federal grant to help pay for harbor security improvements since Sept. 11, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said yesterday.

The money to the state Department of Transportation is part of $92.3 million awarded to 51 ports to add guards, lights, fencing and cargo-screening systems.

State officials have said harbor security became a top priority after Sept. 11, and they plan to spend millions of dollars in the next year on improvements at the state's harbors, which handle more than 95 percent of all cargo arriving here, as well as cruise ships passengers.

"The terrorist attacks have resulted in a renewed focus on the security of our transportation systems," Mineta said. "Protecting seaports and port facilities against the threat of terrorism is imperative."

Ports throughout the nation submitted requests totaling more than $700 million, with only $92 million available, Mineta said.

Much of the money spent immediately after Sept. 11 has gone into extra security for cruise ship passengers, who now have to undergo a thorough security, immigration and luggage screening before boarding a ship in any of Hawai'i's ports.

The largest shares of the money awarded yesterday include $9.33 million for New York/New Jersey; $6.84 million for Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and $6.42 million for Miami. Congress is considering two other sources of financing for maritime security.

Ports may get as much as $200 million after a House-Senate conference committee resolves differences between their versions of a supplemental spending bill. As much as $390 million more may become available after another conference committee completes work on a different legislation that includes port financing.

Advertiser news services contributed to this report.