WASHINGTON — Honolulu International Airport will receive $24 million and Kahului Airport will receive $7 million for the construction of new inline baggage handling systems to improve explosive detection capabilities, U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today.

The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security through a grant provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“Our airports are critical components of our economy and a vital link between our islands and the world,” Inouye said. “The new inline explosives detection systems will further enhance security measures at our airports and ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors from around the globe.”
“This Recovery Act funding will provide Honolulu and Kahului airport screeners with another important tool to keep our visitors and residents safe,” Akaka said.
Inline baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently screen baggage for explosives while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process.
These systems eliminate the need for passengers to walk their checked baggage to a screening location and wait before proceeding to the security checkpoint.
In addition, the systems provide on-screen viewing capabilities for Transportation Security Administration officers conducting baggage screenings and reduce the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.