Hawaii ports to get new passenger screening system
Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle released nearly $300,000 in funds Monday for the installation of non-radiation passenger screening detectors at the island state's four main harbors.
The state money will be used in conjunction with a federal grant of nearly $900,000 to install the Sago Systems screening system at Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului and Nawiliwili harbors.
The system, which cues on heat signatures, can detect improvised explosive devices and other potential threats on a person's body, according to the state Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the project. It will also be able to relay data to the Honolulu Harbor Surveillance Command Information System, State Law Enforcement Coalition at the state capitol and State Civil Defense.
The Sago system will replace a physical pat-down procedure in use.
Construction on the system is expected to begin in November and be completed by December 2009.