Gabbard Lauds Expedited Security at Inter-island Airports

Kahului Airport. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck service was expanded and implemented at several neighbor-island airports this week, enabling low-risk passengers to move more quickly through checkpoint screening.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi today congratulated Hawaiian Airlines on what she called a “successful expansion” of the security clearance program to the Kahului Airport on Maui, and the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i.

The addition of the program on Maui is part of a larger national effort to expand the program from 40 to 100 airports across the US this week.

According to the TSA official website, the program is for select frequent flyers of participating airlines, and members of US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs.

Passengers participating in PreCheck lanes are not required to remove shoes and outerwear or laptops from bags, and will be allowed to keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags, according to the TSA.

In a statement released today, Rep. Gabbard said, “Hawaiʻi’s airports are leading the way in efforts to improve travelers’ experiences through what can be congested and frustrating security lines.  For our kama‘āina, the TSA PreCheck program will ensure that pre-screened, low-risk passengers will have a much more positive experience while traveling among our islands.”

“This program also allows the TSA and other law enforcement agencies to use a more risk-based approach to ensure the safety of our air travelers and flight crews,” she said.

In addition to expediting the checkpoint screening for low-risk passengers, state officials say the program will help to promote the state’s tourism industry and strengthen its local economy.

Congresswoman Gabbard also introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act this year, which provides more dignified security screenings for severely wounded and disabled veterans.