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It is time to bring cargo container, X-ray scanning to the Matson, Pasha and Sause Bros. container ship and barge ports. Criminals are so bold now to dare to bring in full container-loads of illegal fireworks in plain sight. Illegal drugs, firearms, electromagnetic-pulse bombs and other illegal contraband will surely follow. With several active military bases and Camp Smith on-island, all more the reason to move toward 100% scanning inspection of incoming cargo to our state.
In 2022, a multi-agency operation snagged a 13,500-pound shipping container filled with illegal aerial fireworks street-valued at $2.7 million. With inflation, and the three larger 17,000-pound loads in recent weeks, could we surmise $4 million street value? What about illegal guns and illegal drugs? FDA-approved artificial intelligence (AI) has already transformed X-ray imaging diagnoses. AI is now transforming cargo scanning.
I implore U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and the other congressional members to secure federal funding to bring 100% cargo X-ray scanning inspection to Hawaii’s ports, to further fortify the safety of all Hawaii residents going forward.
Von Kenric Kaneshiro
Downtown Honolulu
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