The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division has partnered with NEC Corporation of America and Infrared Cameras Inc. to install new thermal temperature screening equipment at gates of four of its airports.
Phase one of the project, installing the screening equipment at trans-Pacific flight gates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Kahului Airport, Lihue Airport, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole and Hilo International Airport, has been completed, officials with HDOT said.
“The thermal screening equipment is a positive feature that streamlines the process for people traveling to Hawaii, while also working to keep the community safe by detecting people with a fever,” said Gov. David Ige. “The equipment is a step in the direction of what will be the new normal as we move forward in the COVID-19 era.”
Officials said members of the Hawaii National Guard and HDOT employees have been trained to operate and monitor the equipment that will be used to take the temperatures of all visitors and returning residents. The new equipment replaces the hand-held thermometers previously used. Now, passengers are able to get off the airplane without having to stop at a temperature station. An alert will appear on the monitor if it determines someone has a temperature over 100.4. In the event of an alert, National Guard members or airport employees would pull the passenger aside for evaluation by paramedics or firefighting units.
Future phases of the project include temperature scanning equipment at all gates by Aug. 20 and facial imaging equipment by Dec. 31, 2020.