GOVERNOR LINGLE RAISES THREAT LEVEL FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today directed that the Hawai`i Homeland Security Advisory System Threat Condition level be raised from YELLOW (Elevated) to ORANGE (High) for public transit in Hawai`i.
The Governor’s action is in line with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Hawai`i State Civil Defense, following a series of deadly subway and bus bombings in London this morning.
“We do not want to alarm the public, but we want everyone to be alert and vigilant,” said Governor Lingle.
Major General Robert Lee, Hawai`i’s Adjutant General and Director of Civil Defense, said at this time there is no credible threat to Hawai`i. He also said the increased threat level does not affect maritime or air travel, but is focused on public and private bus systems, including tour buses and trolleys throughout the state.
General Lee said Civil Defense officials were notified by the Department of Homeland Security shortly after 2:00 a.m. this morning about the extent of the London terror attacks. Civil Defense followed up with conference calls to federal, state, and county officials, including county mayors and civil defense administrators. These discussions focused on additional security measures to be taken and recommendations to Governor Lingle. The Governor elevated the threat level at 7:00 a.m.
The Governor said increasing the threat level for public transportation in Hawai`i does not mean searching bus passengers, but it will include stepping up security around facilities where buses are parked or repaired.
“We are asking the people who use our bus systems to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious items or activities to authorities,” said Governor Lingle. “Our residents should also remain alert when traveling on the Mainland or abroad when using mass transit systems.”
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For more information, contact:
Major General Robert Lee
State Adjutant General
Phone: 733-4246
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
