August 9, 2022 by Beat of Hawaii 25 Comments

Travel rage is nothing new, and we’ve even seen air rage on flights to Hawaii. But now it has even spread to sleepy Kauai’s airport, which we find disconcerting, to say the least. On the other hand, with all the hindrances visitors now face, together with what seems to be less travel patience than ever, why should we be surprised?

The Kauai police department has reported that two arrests were made recently for disorderly conduct at the otherwise tranquil garden island airport.

Just last week we wrote: Why Hawaii Airports Are A Hot Mess Now.

In the first of these two incidents, a Kaneohe man, aged 37 was arrested for screaming profanities and racial slurs at an airline employee. The accused still managed to board his flight after continuing to swear and holler through the airport. Police removed the passenger from the flight. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and harassment.

Just a day later, a Miami Beach man, aged 58, was arrested at the airport for disorderly conduct. Kauai Police said he was “recklessly creating a risk of alarming members of the public by engaging in violent or tumultuous behavior.” The man was charged with disorderly conduct.

Kauai airport, like Maui Airport, continues to have very long security screening lines. Did that contribute to these problems?

Kauai has been in the process of upgrading its screening process and equipment. In the midst of all that, two of its x-ray machines broke down. We’re told those have since been repaired.

Parking has also been very problematic. Kauai airport, which currently has only limited parking stalls, is prone to be sold out. That was the case again this past weekend.

While largely a problem for residents more than for visitors, no parking definitely adds to the stress of the airport experience. Visitors are also known to use airport parking short-term while gathering bags and passengers.

There continues to be a lack of staffing such that TSA and others don’t have consistently adequate workers to keep things moving smoothly. That has been especially true on Kauai and on Maui where TSA lines have ranged from blissfully short to nearly 2 hours. As of this morning, the wait at Lihue TSA is about one-half hour, while on Maui it has been over one hour. Kona and Honolulu are operating normally with minimal wait times.

Problems are exacerbated by issues including peak summer travel. That should begin to ease even in the next week. Also, airlines tend to bunch many flights together at the most popular times, especially mid-day. Then these can be avoided, so much the better.

Yesterday there was yet another spate of flight delays. At Honolulu airport 95 flights were delayed. Once again, a source of traveler frustration.

Stay hydrated with cool water. Stay nourished too.

Focus on what’s good in your life and in your Hawaii travels.

Be grateful. It always works.

Don’t be late. It’s a sure way to add to the stress, especially now.

Seek out the calmest places at the airport. Have you enjoyed the wonderful gardens at HNL for example?

Photo of Maui airport lines.

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It has been a few years since I was in Hawaii but I can say when at the airport The employees there were the rudest people. It made checking in at the Kauai Airport very difficult.

Mahalo for always keeping us well informed. The best travel tip I can think of is this: Don’t.

People are just too rude and self-centered and have forgotten how to be civil and courteous to each other. Until we all remember that we are in this game together and act like decent caring human beings again, it is best just to remain at home.

Thanks as always. Interesting comment. Many of us have missed travel for almost three years now. Yet your point is well taken.

Maybe the TSA should be arrested for inciting the rage that has been going on. With all of the Flight cancellations and delays, no wonder people are becoming upset at the Airports. Upgrading the TSA equipment now? They had almost 2 years while Hawaii was pretty much locked down due to the sham covid nonsense. That would have been the ideal time to “update” the TSA equipment. Instead, they wait until the bans are lifted and Hawaii is seeing one of the largest influxes of tourists it has ever seen, to decide to update. If they only had a brain!

There’s no need for visitors to park in the short term lot. The trick my wife and I have used over the years is to gather our bags and find a place for them and my wife too sit. I then catch the shuttle to our rental car, get it and return to pick her and the bags up. Works fine every time. It also makes it easier for me getting on the shuttle. No bags to mess with.

We both go to the rental agency when picking up our vehicle so we can both present our drivers’ licenses at the same time. Yes, luggage is a hassle on the shuttle, but we have learned to pack light. Now that there are Target stores on the islands, we can buy what clothing we forgot, then donate it to resale shops when we leave the island.

“Seek out the calmest places at the airport. Have you enjoyed the wonderful gardens at HNL for example?”

Now if only the TSA lines wound through the gardens…I can dream can’t I?

Problems at the Kauai airport are exacerbated by the fact that there are not enough TSA agents. Although the airport has hired a number of new people, some from off island, a big problem is that these new hires can’t find affordable housing within a half hour drive of the airport. Understandably, folks are not willing to take a job when they have no place to live. Understaffing coupled with a huge influx in tourists coupled with standing in a long line in the hot sun is a recipe for airport rage.

I just discovered the cultural garden at HNL and enjoyed it by myself during a long layover.

We weren’t particularly happy to have to get up at 6:00am to catch our 8:10am flight last Friday (08/05) but now it appears it was a blessing. We were the only ones on the TSA Pre line and there were only two groups in the “regular line” when we went thru at 6:45am! Guess that’s the answer! Get up with the chickens!

Aloha and for anybody who has been through our quaint, welcoming and usually calm Kauai airport, reports of arrests are alarming. But no should be surprised. My interactions with visitors leads me to believe such “emotional” behavior is the new normal throughout The mainland. Everyone is on edge. That’s why the world needs Kaua’i and Kaua’i needs the world. People come here, in part, for the aloha Hawaii offers. Lucky live Kaua’i!

We were delighted to see a trio of musicians and a dancer at the Kauai airport while we waited to board our flight back to the mainland. Music soothes the soul and it was a welcome reminder of our relaxing trip and the quiet pace of Kauai.

No excuse for bad behavior. This makes the case to get Global Entry or TSA Precheck. Even if there is only one TSA checkpoint open, those with Precheck go thru every other passenger. Plus quicker from there on since you keep your shoes on, etc. Bad news is I’ve heard it’s hard to get an interview due to backlog. My Global Entry renewal went through smoothly last year thank goodness with no need to interview again.

I have TSA preCheck and found that it didn’t make much difference time-wise when leaving Kauai on our last flight. My husband stood in the “regular” line and actually finished scanning before I did. My preCheck line agent was in charge of flight crew members, too, and they had priority over us preCheckers.

GlobalEntry or Precheck doesn’t make anything better except for you, particularly if there is one kiosk open. Ahead of the line just makes others wait longer. And madder.

There needs to be a better solution, spacing out the flights more consistently? As more employees is not achievable, dedicated, spaced out time windows for each flight….not 3- 4 hours before and everyone arrives at once. Triaging of sorts.

This was Preventable. Changing scanners during peak tourist travel was just plain dumb.

You tax dollars at work!

Kauai, wasn’t that the Airport that was going to be expanding a couple of gates to help with the process of getting passengers out quicker until Protesters backed by Ige decided not to? I guess that the Airport Board knows what is Needed despite others insistence otherwise. At the same time What was going through the heads of these people? They did get through the lines quicker, I hope that they enjoyed the ride to the police station, their moment before the Judge and posting bail, 1 @ $2000 and 1@ $20! Patience and a level head could have kept this from happening, why make things worse for everyone? Floor Shows are supposed to be Entertaining and done in an appropriate place. Rethink the Expansion and help the Travelers!

If the state goes ahead with expanding LIH it will mean the airlines will schedule more flights and result in more congestion. Exactly why the Mayor and council voted down the enlarging of the airport. There’s a point where one has to say STOP. Kauai also had the strictest controls during the pandemic.

Sad. Of course none of these reports revealed the what set these persons off. But Imagine a first time visitor to the Islands. In high anticipation of all the great things they heard from others about Hawaii. Only to witness one of those incidents as described. What impression will it give that person about the kind of people they might encounter on the Islands?

It’s called the “SWA effect”….they jump into a market with a lot of flight and temporary discount fares to attract new customers, then gradually raise their fares over time. Wait till their inter island expansion starts. Boycot SWA.

Tourists should be honored .grateful and happy to be in paradise . Even if leaving its still paradise at the airport. I would be happy to stand in line for 3 hours etc to be there right now. Why go in busy season. If you can’t stand crowds. Go some where else.

According to the story it was also a local that was arrested.

Aloha. I can see that in the future over-tourism won’t be a problem. The airports are difficult to get through and long hot lines. Couple that with the airlines seemingly trying to get the other guys nickel by cancelling flights and destinations causing people to be unsure about their arrival and departure, I can see their dollars going elsewhere. Rejoice Islanders! You will have the beaches to yourselves.

It’s not just the tourists. We live here and flying to Oahu for a day trip medical appointment anytime other than the early early AM is a nightmare. Sometimes 3 hours in a TSA line. That’s 3 hours for a 45 min. flight. When you’re old this hurts. Then, they always pull me out for additional body check even though I tell them upfront about my TKR, pacemaker etc. etc. Have decided to forego the scan and routinely ask for a body check (as I will be subjected to one anyway). Spare myself extra radiation and upset – controlling the triggers because I always feel persecuted when they pull me out. Start profiling already!

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