October 16, 2006
Unclear on the Concept Department
What Could Possibly Go Wrong During an Emergency?
The oft-brilliant Jennifer has found another example of TSA cluelessness.
Hawaii has suffered a stong earthquake which has knocked out power all over. Tourists are stuck there with nothing to do except be a burden to the troubled state. They want to leave, and local emergency workers would like them to leave.
Fortunately, the airports have emergency power and are quite capable of managing flights. Unfortunately,
Rod Haraga, director of the state Transportation Department, told KSSK said that inbound flights were being allowed to land, but outgoing flights were not taking off because the TSA doesn't have enough power to screen passengers.
Because, you know, how could anybody at the Transportation Security Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security—which also runs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—have anticipated that some sort of crazy emergency would make make the power go out?
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The State of Hawaii is responsible for providing power at airports for all stakeholders. The terminals at Honolulu airport have been expanded but no emergency power was ever connected to the newest buildings by the State. Honolulu was unable to manage flights due to lack of electricity.
In your criticism you don't mention that there was no power to operate the "jetways" which are used to load the planes, nor power for the airlines to issue tickets. There was also no power to pump water throughout the buildings enabling the toilets to operate, nor flush as they use an electronic eye to operate! It was Superdome all over again for passengers at Honolulu airport all thanks to the planning of Rod Haraga, Director of the State Transportation Department, your source for TSA criticism.
TSA was subject to the same incompetence created by the State Department of Transportation as were the citizens of Honolulu when there was no emergency generators to power radio stations and provide information to the citizens of Oahu. The head of Civil Defense in Honolulu stated his agency didn't need to get on the radio as the event had already happened and his agency's only responsibility is to "warn" people of a potential problem! Therefore, no person in Honolulu knew whether they should go to the airport to fly or not. Not information could be transmitted to the public! TSA was not to blame for any of the State of Hawaii incompetance.
Kona International Airport and TSA screeners at that airport were processing passengers at 8am, only 48 minutes after the first shock and aftershock. Kona airport received power from the grid and didn't need emergency generators to operate. Kona airport is located only 10 miles from the epicenter. If Kona could get it going why couldn't Honolulu Airport? Ask Mr Haraga, he seems quite capable of spinning a tale of blame. Do you really think that TSA should have a complete electrical backup system of electricity built into the airport structures just because the State of Hawaii is not up to the task. If conveyor belts aren't operating, no baggage can be screened. If ticket counters can't print boarding passes no passengers can be screened. Cast your ridicule at others than TSA.