Posted on: Monday, July 5, 2004

Chicago firm bids for two airport contracts

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Securitas Security Services USA Inc., a Chicago-based company that says it's the largest provider of security officer services in the United States, is the front-runner to land two major airport contracts in Hawai'i.

Securitas submitted low bids of $35.972 million and $12.565 million to furnish security officers at Honolulu International Airport and two Big Island airports, respectively, for two contracts covering five years. Both would include two one-year options.

Approval is pending verification of Securitas' proposals and any protests being lodged on the bidding process, said state Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa. The state has up to 60 days, starting June 23, to approve Securitas' bid.

Wackenhut Corp. submitted the low bids of $13.413 million for Maui and $4.270 million for Kaua'i. Wackenhut had the previous security contract for all Neighbor Island airports.

Ray Romero, Securitas' area vice president for Hawai'i, said the company is training officers for work at the three airports in anticipation of the September move.

"We have been very successful in our contact with the public," said Romero, who worked 17 years with Burns International Security Services in Hawai'i before joining Securitas. "We've found that a little thank you and smile goes a long way, which is why we place an emphasis on the aloha spirit."

Romero said Securitas has 750 officers on all islands.

Securitas' bid for the Honolulu Airport contract was $871,676 lower than Wackenhut. AKAL Security, the current security provider, had the third-lowest bid at $37.562 million.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.