Hawaii not seen as target in plot
By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer
State officials said they were aware of the federal security bulletins issued as part of an ongoing national terrorism investigation, but emphasized that no specific targets were identified in Hawai'i, including sports and entertainment facilities or O'ahu's bus transit system.
Honolulu deputy police chief Karl Godsey issued a statement saying, "Our partners in law enforcement, both on the federal and local levels, continue to share information and updates on issues affecting the security of our country, states, and municipalities.
"Although no specific threat has been identified in Honolulu, the Honolulu Police Department, along with all of our first responder partners, monitor and will continue to take appropriate measures necessary to keep our community safe."
Vic Gustafson, branch chief of plans and operations for the state Department of Civil Defense, said the agency had not been contacted directly by any law enforcement agency or the federal Department of Homeland Security.
Gustafson said Civil Defense officials here knew of nothing specific that would increase the threat level of a terrorist attack in Hawai'i.
J. Roger Morton, president of Oahu Transit Services Inc., the private company that operates the city bus system, said his office was aware of the security bulletins.
Passengers are currently allowed to carry small backpacks on TheBus on O'ahu, Morton said.
Murray Towill, executive director of the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association, said the national hotel association had notified his office by e-mail of the security bulletins sent out by the FBI and Homeland Security.
Security specialists who work for the hotel members of his association were reviewing the bulletins yesterday, Towill said.
Mel Kaku, director of the city Department of Emergency Management, said his office has received no indication of a specific threat in Honolulu.
"Of course, if that were to change we would be ready to respond," Kaku said.
Ever since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Mainland, the city and its security partners have been guarding against threats to Hawai'i, Kaku said.
