"Senator Praises Honolulu Airport Security"

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Senator Inouye Praises Airport Security
By Louise Kim McCoy 
KGMB-TV Ch 9 (CBS), Honolulu (HI)


The Honolulu International Airport received high marks for security, but
there's still room for improvement. That's according to Hawaii Sen. Daniel
Inouye who says it's going to be a huge challenge to get more federal
dollars for our airport. 

The Honolulu International Airport has already beefed up its security check
points. And Inouye was impressed. 

"I do a lot of traveling and this is not scientific, but the best operation
is Honolulu," Inouye said. "It's the most efficient, it's the fastest."

The TSA opened three new checkpoint lanes two months ago in an area designed
for a total of six lanes. It's hoping to hire about 40 more screeners, but
that's not all. 

"We're working with the state and we're looking at bringing more x-ray
equipment in for checked baggage so we can decongest our lobbies, I guess
you would call it, because right now it's so crowded with big equipment,"
said airport security chief Sidney Hayakawa. "We want to see that equipment
placed downstairs in a baggage area."

"You'll need more personnel," Inouye said. "You'll need more equipment
because the demands for security are getting much more severe." 

Inouye says he'll push for more money, but it's going to be tough. 

"Well, for one thing we're at war in Iraq," Inouye said. "That takes a huge
drain of money. In addition to that, the economy is not as strong as most
people think it is." 

But he says airport security is still a must, especially here where it's
also a lifeline to our visitor industry.


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