What will new TSA screening be at Honolulu airport?

Question: The Transportation Security Administration announced that starting in February, it will allow airline passengers who do not have acceptable identification to pay $45 to use a “modernized alternative authentication system” to verify their identity before they can board a plane. TSA says the verification process will vary from airport to airport. What will it be like at the Honolulu airport?

Answer: The federal agency has not yet announced the exact process for the new program, called TSA ConfirmID, at any airport, and a Hawaii Department of Transportation spokesperson said the DOT is awaiting more information from TSA on how TSA ConfirmID will be implemented at Hawaii airports through TSA operations. But it’s clear from a TSA notice in the Federal Register that this will be a technology-enabled alternative that uses the traveler’s biographical and/or biometric data to verify identity.

Generally, biographical information includes details such as name, date of birth, address, contact information, and Social Security number, while biometrics can include facial recognition scanning, fingerprints, and iris scans. TSA already uses facial scans at some airports, but travelers can opt out. You can find more information about TSA’s use of biometrics at:

TSA ConfirmID will be for travelers who do not have federally compliant identification, such as a U.S. passport or REAL ID (gold star) Hawaii driver’s license or state ID; this has been required for adults to board U.S. commercial airliners since May 7. The vast majority of travelers have an acceptable form of identification, but the small number who cannot do so are unable to use staff time at busy airport security checkpoints because they must undergo additional screening for which they are not charged; That will change in February, according to the TSA.

According to a TSA news release issued Dec. 1, “Any travelers without acceptable identification, including those presenting a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be directed to the optional TSA ConfirmID process for identification at TSA check-in and before entering the security line. This process will vary from airport to airport, and TSA is working with the private sector to proactively offer online payment options before arriving at the airport.” “I still want to fly.”

The TSA website () says that when ConfirmID is launched, a traveler without acceptable ID will go to the TSA website to access ConfirmID, follow the instructions to verify their identity, and pay the fee, which will be good for 10 days of travel time. “The identification process takes an average of 10-15 minutes, but can take up to 30 minutes or more,” the website says.

The agency continues to encourage all eligible travelers to obtain a federally compliant ID, which is more cost-effective than the ConfirmID process. For example, a U.S. passport is valid for 10 years, while a Hawaii driver’s license or state ID is valid for eight years for adults ages 25 to 71 when they apply.

Q: What will count as non-alcoholic beverages for the SNAP restriction that goes into effect August 1?

A : Starting on that date, SNAP beneficiaries will not be able to use their EBT cards to purchase soft drinks, which Hawaii’s waiver with the federal government defines as “any soft drink made with carbonated water and sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.” ‘Non-alcoholic beverages’ do not include beverages containing milk, dairy products, soy, rice or other milk substitutes or containing more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.”

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Taxpayer-funded benefits are loaded monthly onto participants’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which they use as debit cards to purchase groceries.

A big Mahalo to the Water Supply Board employees who took good care of the Carlos Long Street station in Mahalo Palolo. The lawns, kukui nut trees and sidewalks are always beautifully trimmed. Thanks for the great job.—With gratitude, Carlos Long resident———–Write Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813; Call 808-529-4773; or email.—————