HAWAII STATE CAPITOL TO EXPAND SECURITY MEASURES

News Release from Department of Public Safety, December 13, 2023

HONOLULU – Beginning Monday, December 18, the Hawai‘i State Capitol will join 37 other state capitols that have incorporated metal detection into their security measures. This year Arekat Pacific Security, Inc. (DBA API Security) was awarded an Unarmed Security Guard Services contract for the State Capitol and will be administering metal detection. This new security measure will be deployed at three entrances, two at rotunda (street) level elevators and one at the chamber level (basement).

State sheriffs will continue to respond to calls for assistance as well as provide a law enforcement patrol presence in and around the capitol complex. “This added layer of security is a step forward that will make the State Capitol a safer place for all,” said Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson.

Comptroller Keith Regan, who leads the Department of Accounting and General Services, added that “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the public, our employees and elected officials. Installing and operating this new equipment will allow us to efficiently and effectively conduct screening at the Capitol with the goal of improving security.”

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