GOVERNOR LOWERS MASS TRANSIT THREAT LEVEL IN HAWAII

For Immediate Release  August 12, 2005        

Honolulu- Effective 7:00 a.m. today, Governor Linda Lingle directed that the Hawai`i Homeland Security Advisory System Threat Condition level be lowered from ORANGE (High) to YELLOW (Elevated) for public mass transit in Hawai`i.  The Governor said she was acting on the recommendations of State Civil Defense with the concurrence of all four counties. 

U. S, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff also announced this morning that the national threat level for mass transit and ferry systems is being lowered from ORANGE to YELLOW. 

Based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Hawaii State Civil Defense, the Governor increased the threat level last month (July 7, 2005) after a series of deadly subway and bus bombings in London. 

Increasing the threat level set in motion heightened security measures involving law enforcement and mass transit operations across the state. 

In recommending to the Governor that the public mass transit threat level be lowered, Major General Robert Lee, Hawaii’s Adjutant General and Director of Civil Defense, said the FBI and Hawaii’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to report that there is no credible threat to Hawaii.

Edward Teixeira, Vice Director of Civil Defense, said some of the increased security measures put in place last month will continue.

The Governor urged the public, especially those who use public mass transit systems, to continue their vigilance.

“It just makes good sense for all of us to be alert, to be aware of our surroundings, and to report suspicious items and activities to authorities,” said Governor Lingle.

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 CONTACT RAY LOVELL, STATE CIVIL DEFENSE:  808-733-4300Ext. 524 email: rlovell@scd.hawaii.gov