Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2004

Hawai'i's security level unchanged despite threats

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

It was security as usual at Hawai'i's harbors and airports yesterday despite new reports of specific terrorist threats against financial institutions on the Mainland.

State and federal officials said the warnings on the East Coast did not warrant raising security threat levels in Hawai'i. The state's level remained at yellow, or elevated, yesterday.

Security remained tight at Honolulu Harbor, the arrival point for almost all of the state's cargo, and at Honolulu International Airport, the main entry and exit point for tourists and residents, officials said.

"The heightened security has become a permanent feature of the harbor," said Tim Guard, president of McCabe Hamilton & Renny, which provides stevedores and maritime services for many businesses at the port. "There's a lot more checking of everything in greater detail than before."

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Todd Offutt said much of the security effort goes on behind the scenes.

"Just because you don't see the security doesn't mean it's not there," Offutt said. "We're doing both visible and less visible stuff all the time."

New regulations that went into effect in July require most port users to have their own security plans. They also allow for boarding and inspecting ships before they enter Honolulu Harbor and, if necessary, denying entry to those who don't have security papers or plans.

"As far as I know, we haven't had to turn anybody back," Offutt said. "This was a well-publicized international initiative, and it seems like most people got the word about what was required of them."

State officials and maritime businesses have spent millions of dollars in the past few years to increase security around the harbor.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, cruise lines routinely have restricted access to terminals and screened passengers and baggage. Large cargo companies such as Matson and Horizon have spent millions of dollars to upgrade fencing, lighting and other facilities around their container yards.

Smaller port users, like the University of Hawai'i and commercial fishing companies, also have been required to develop and implement new security plans.

At Honolulu International Airport yesterday, there were no elevated security levels and no reports of unusual delays, said Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa.

Sidney Hayakawa, federal security chief for the Honolulu airport, said the warnings didn't cause any changes, but all screeners were reminded to be vigilant, especially in checking passengers headed for the East Coast.

Airport officials are hoping to complete work on a new passenger screening checkpoint sometime in September, Ishikawa said. That will help speed the scrutiny of passengers as they enter the terminal and reduce time spent waiting in line, he said.

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.