GOVERNOR LINGLE ELEVATES STATE’S SECURITY ALERT STATUS

For Immediate Release:  December 21, 2003

HONOLULU – Effective today at 4:00p.m. (HST) Governor Linda Lingle directed that the Hawai`i Homeland Advisory System Threat Condition be elevated from Yellow to Orange.  The Governor’s action follows a similar increase in the National Threat Level today by U. S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. 

“Secretary Ridge pointed out that there was no specific threat to the United States,” the Governor said, “But he was concerned due to the substantial increase in volume of threat related intelligence reports.” 

The Governor said she increased the Threat Condition in Hawai`i after conferring with the State’s Director of Civil Defense, Major General Robert G. F. Lee, with all four county mayors and with officials from the military and various state, federal and county agencies including law enforcement.

“We are taking this action not to alarm but to reassure the public,” Governor Lingle said.  “Going up to Orange means we will be committing more resources to the security of our residents and visitors.”  She said the public might notice increased security around public buildings and facilities including the airports. 

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