TSA opens 4 PreCheck offices

Hawaii-based air travelers can now visit local Transportation Security Administration offices to complete applications for PreCheck, a program that allows passengers to clear airport security lines more easily.

Under PreCheck, the domestic-flight passengers who participate don’t have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops from cases or small liquid containers from bags when they’re screened.

The TSA has been working to expand the program nationwide, and in Hawaii, where air travel is essential to get around the state, PreCheck lines have been available for domestic flights — including interisland commutes — since last fall, agency officials say.

In December, the agency launched a Web-based enrollment where passengers could pre-apply for the program.

But until recently, there were no offices in the islands where passengers could then follow up with the required appointment to complete their application, TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said.

Now, those offices are open on four islands. They’re at:

» Hawaii island: Business Center, 99 Aupuni St., Suite 201, Hilo.

» Kauai: 2970 Kele St., Suite 111, Lihue.

» Maui: 291 Hookahi St., Suite 106, Wailuku.

» Oahu: Pacific Guardian Center Mauka Tower, 737 Bishop St., Suite 1550, Honolulu.

Interested passengers must first visit the TSA website to schedule an appointment.

The application process requires a background check, fingerprints, valid identification (such as a passport), and an $85 application fee for a five-year membership, according to a TSA release.

About 70,000 people, including 400 Honolulu travelers, have signed up using the new PreCheck application program, Melendez said.

——

On the Net:

» www.TSA.gov