#facial recognition

A new facial recognition tool developed by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Ph.D. student can identify individual whales and dolphins across 24 species, enabling faster research for conservation efforts.

The thermal temperature screening equipment will be installed immediately at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Kahului Airport, Līhuʻe Airport, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole and Hilo International Airport. Phase 3 expects to have the facial imaging equipment installed by Dec. 31, 2020.

A facial imaging tracking system and monitoring control rooms will be installed throughout the terminal to track a suspected passenger until they are intercepted for further screening. Total cost is $18.5 million, with an additional $17.5 million for a 10-year maintenance program.

The ACLU Hawai‘i drafted a letter dated June 19, 2020 to the state Department of Transportation, the Attorney General and Governor David Ige, expressing concerns with the state’s plans to use the technology as part of the COVID-19 screening process.

“Even though we have thermal scanners that are operated manually, the facial recognition would allow us to recognize people who are exceeding the 100.4 degree temperature as they walk through the terminal,” said Gov. Ige.

Sens. Brian Schatz and Roy Blunt introduced the Commercial Facial Recognition Privacy Act of 2019 last Thursday. The bipartisan legislation would prohibit commercial users of facial recognition technology from collecting and re-sharing data to identify or track consumers without their consent. “Our faces are our identities. They’re personal. So the responsibility is on companies to […]