LIHU‘E — The explosions Monday in Boston have put Kaua‘i on alert, but officials say visitors and residents should not expect disruptions to travel or activities at this time. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved
LIHU‘E — The explosions Monday in Boston have put Kaua‘i on alert, but officials say visitors and residents should not expect disruptions to travel or activities at this time.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who were killed today, and to the many victims who suffered injuries,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said in a news release.
“It is our understanding that there were a number of Hawai‘i residents who participated in (Monday’s) Boston Marathon, and to the best of our knowledge, all of them remain safe.”
Carvalho said the bombings Monday reminds all that “safety is never guaranteed.”
Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Darryl Perry said officers are on a heightened alert for any unusual activities on Kaua‘i. The Criminal Intelligence Unit is in contact with counterparts at the local, state and federal levels.
“For now, we have not altered our regular schedules,” Perry said. “Should we receive credible information on any potential threats, we will make the necessary adjustments.”
The county Civil Defense Agency also reports a heightened alert status and is working closely with state and federal agencies.
“There is no cause for an immediate safety concern here locally,” Civil Defense Manager Ted Daligdig said. “We will remain vigilant and are ready to respond as necessary.”
The Transportation Security Administration office at Lihu‘e Airport referred questions regarding policy changes to the national office. As of Monday the TSA website has not listed travel alerts or policy change updates related to the explosions in Boston.
A spokesperson with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said there are no special security measures or changes regarding state park access Monday. Those directives come from the Governor’s Office.
Louise Kim McCoy, Director of Communications for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, said the federal Department of Defense has not issued a threat directed at Hawai‘i. The state is operating normally as officials monitor the situation closely, she said.
The state Department of Public Safety said officials are scrutinizing large venues and activities. DPS will coordinate additional security measures as needed with county and federal law enforcement based on an updated threat analysis for Hawai‘i.
The Honolulu FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force is monitoring the situation in Boston through law enforcement and intelligence channels, according to FBI Special Agent Tom Simon on Monday.
“We have no credible information of any imminent threat of violence targeting Hawai‘i,” Simon said.
Grace Hew Len, director of Public Affairs for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, said the Navy does not discuss specific force protection levels, but that the public should be assured that appropriate security measures are in place at installations in Hawai‘i.
The American Red Cross reports that while phone communications is interrupted in Boston, the “Safe and Well” website at redcross.org/safe offers a virtual space for people to list themselves as safe, or to text and call family members and ask them to register.
Red Cross has sent more than 100 additional blood products to several Boston area hospitals to help meet patient needs. To donate blood, call for an appointment at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit to redcrossblood.org.
The national hotline to inquire about someone in the Boston Marathon can call 617-635-4500. Callers should be prepared to call multiple times before getting through.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0424 or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
