HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Transportation Security Administration says this summer has been a busy travel season with record-breaking travel — the perfect time for updated technologies that make travel easier, faster and safer.
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According to the TSA, a single-day national record was set on Sunday, July 7, when more than three million people were screened at security checkpoints at airports across the country.
At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, there was a 4.7% increase in the number of travelers departing during the first six months of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
If Credential Authentication Technology is in use at the security checkpoint entrance,
No boarding pass is required. Travelers will only need to present their photo identification to the TSA officer.
TSA is using CAT units at all security checkpoints at HNL. Passengers 17 and under will still need a boarding pass.
HNL is the only airport in Hawaii that uses the latest generation of CAT units, called CAT-2, which use facial recognition technology to verify travelers’ identities. CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on their government-issued ID with a personal photo in real time. Once the unit confirms a match, a TSA officer verifies it and the traveler can proceed to security screening.
“It’s always optional. People are not required to take a photo to get through the checkpoint, but there’s also no way for TSA to store that photo,” TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said.
These updates allow airport security to stay ahead of any potential dangers, especially when it comes to detecting fake IDs, passports and other fraudulent documents.
CAT-2s will be implemented at other airports in the state by September or October, according to airport officials.
The TSA at HNL has a CT X-ray scanner, which creates an enhanced 3D image of the contents of a traveler’s belongings. Individuals will be advised to leave everything, including laptops and other electronics, in their bags. Kauai, there are a few airports that are fully equipped with CT scanners. Lihue Airport on Kauai is fully equipped with CT scanners.
“For our officers, this added visibility allows them to go ahead and address any potential security threats on screen while at the checkpoint, without having to open their bag,” Dankers said.
Airport officials said explosives are the biggest threat to air travel.
“We’ve had an increase in dangerous items that we’ve found recently in our air specifically,” said Nanea Vasta, Director of Federal Security. “We’ve had some great captures, including two grenades, as well as several firearms in the last few weeks.”
Those passing through security checkpoints will also encounter trained dogs scanning passengers for traces of explosives.
“We have these types of explosive detection dogs in Honolulu and Maui. They usually support special events like the Super Bowl, Indy 500, some of these big events where you’ll have thousands of people,” Dankers said.
