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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Monday, September 13, 2004

More clients here see need for advanced security

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

It wasn't enough for Richard Berrios to just be a locksmith.

Richard Berrios, left, and Amir Borochov, of Ohana International Enterprises Ltd., demonstrate the capabilities of a biometric fingerprint scanner they have installed at the Federal Building.

Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he decided security systems were the most important products he could offer.

In 2002, his company, Ohana International Enterprises Ltd., began offering access control systems, such as proximity card readers and keyless entry systems. That accounted for about $13,000 in revenues.

The next year, however, sales grew to $200,000. This year, Berrios expects to net $2 million from the security component of his business.

And that business is growing.

Last week, the locally owned and operated company began installing biometric fingerprint readers at the Federal Building. All 1,700 employees will be programmed into the new system, which uses numeric pass codes and fingerprints to allow access into the building after regular hours. Managers can determine who gets access to the building, limiting the number of people who can enter the premises.

Ohana International Enterprises has also set up security systems at the Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie, Camp Smith and the Army National Guard headquarters. This technology, Berrios said, could be applied to all types of properties, including residential condos, hospitals, schools and government buildings.

"The security we're providing is for the community to better the community," Berrios said.

In addition, the company also offers closed-circuit TV and various keyless entry systems. In October it will be the first in the state to offer facial recognition systems, which uses advanced technology to scan a person's face to allow entry into a building.

"It's unbelievable," said vice president Amir Borochov.

And the future will only bring more advanced improvements in security systems, Borochov said, with people being able to access their cars with fingerprint recognition.

"It's a security blanket for us," Berrios said about his business. "We sleep very good at night because we know our customers are safe."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at 535-8103 or ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.