Passengers with the clear plastic bags will be asked to remove the containers holding liquids and place them in a bin or on a conveyor belt to be X-rayed separately.

Kinoshita, 44, said that while some restrictions are understandable the ban on bringing water onboard has been a problem when traveling with two young children who often get thirsty.

"Plus you got to show up two hours ahead now," he said. "And in Hilo, we don't even have any air con (in the airport terminal). You couldn't even put water in a cup."

The ban on liquids was first instituted when British officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving flights to the U.S. The FBI has since determined through tests that tiny amounts of substances cannot blow up an airliner.

The TSA also announced it is stepping up security measures throughout the airport system with added canine patrols, more random screening of employees, tougher air cargo security measures and more security officers trained in bomb appraisal and screening.

BABY FORMULA

Since the initial rules took effect in August, the TSA has also loosened restrictions to allow baby formula or milk, and baby food as long as a person is traveling with a baby or small child. Also OK are medications, as well as liquids or gels for diabetic or other medical needs. Such items must be declared at TSA screening checkpoints.

Sydney Hayakawa, Honolulu federal security director, said if passengers follow instructions and guidelines, there will be fewer delays.

"If they don't put them in the plastic bags, then we search their briefcases or whatever and we find all these small containers, then it will take a longer time," he said.

Hayakawa said there's no way of knowing for sure if a drink is purchased within the safety zones, but "we are confident that we have enough security at the checkpoint to prohibit any liquid from the outside coming into the security area."

Geri Roy, 56, of Waimanalo, said she supports relaxing the rules and wishes they would go further, adding that it makes little sense to her why there are such restrictions on interisland flights.

"If you're going to the Mainland, I can see — but just to the islands? No," said Roy, who is flying to Maui next month to visit family.

She also doesn't like the idea that while she'll be allowed to bring a bottle of water onboard, she'll have to purchase it from an airport vendor at what she expects will be premium price. "Why should I have to pay the higher prices when I can get them on sale?"

MORE AIR MARSHALS?

Ty Hooper, 45, of Kane'ohe, who is flying to Maui today, said he doesn't think the TSA provides enough security and wants the agency to put an air marshal on every flight.

"I'd rather be safe and inconvenienced than see a plane blow up," Hooper said.

Stu Glauberman, a spokesman for Aloha Airlines, said the carrier applauded the change in rules.

"We welcome any move that makes it easier for Aloha passengers to board their flights without compromising security," he said.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.