The improvements are part of a 12-year, $2.3 billion airports modernization plan, Lingle said in a news release.

The existing access control and monitoring system was installed in the early 1990s and it is increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain replacement parts, Lingle's release said.

The state is upgrading the existing magnetic swipe and personal identification number system to a proximity card and PIN system. The new system will also be equipped with biometric capabilities to comply with future TSA requirements.

The current closed-circuit TV system, which has reached its capacity, will be modernized, making it possible for security personnel to monitor more areas with more cameras, the release said.

The total cost of the security project is estimated to be $9.14 million, which includes $5.77 million in federal funds and a previous state allotment of $1.09 million.

Construction is scheduled to begin in December and be completed in June 2010.

Also released yesterday was money to install additional steel support beams at the second-level diamondhead and 'ewa bus turnaround areas to increase their load capacity for the eight new Wiki-Wiki buses that will transport passengers from the arrival gates to baggage claim areas. As a short-term solution, steel plates have been installed in parts of these turnarounds.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2009 and be completed in September 2009.

Other key projects under way at the airport include the construction of a International Arrivals Sterile Corridor and a 1,800-stall parking garage that is scheduled to open before Christmas.