GOVERNOR LINGLE LOWERS STATE’S SECURITY ALERT STATUS

For Immediate Release:  January 9, 2004

HONOLULU – Following the lead of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge’s decision to lower the national homeland security alert level, Governor Linda Linlge has directed that the Hawai`i Homeland Advisory System Threat Condition be lowered one step from Orange to Yellow, effective today at 10:00 a.m (HST).

The Governor lowered the threat condition level in Hawai`i following a conference call between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State Civil Defense, county mayors’ representatives, and officials from the military and various state, federal and county agencies including law enforcement.

“Secretary Ridge emphasized that while available intelligence warrants the lowering of the threat level due to diminished threats, we all need to remain vigilant to ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors,” said Governor Lingle.  “Our state’s military and civilian partners responded admirably while we were at the higher Orange level, and we will continue to work together to monitor the security situation nationally and specifically here at home.”

The state raised its alert status on December 21st  from Yellow to Orange when the nation’s alert level was also elevated to Orange. 

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For more information, contact:
MG Robert G. F. Lee  
Adjutant General  
Phone: 733-4246

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043