TSA fires 36, suspends 12 for inadequate screening procedures

HONOLULU—On June 10, the Transportation Security Administration announced it has fired 36 employees and suspended 12 more after a covert investigation found that screeners at Honolulu International Airport were not adequately inspecting checked luggage during the last few months of 2010, reported Hawaii News Now. 

"It was a serious investigation. It is a serious incident. I think it is exemplified in the fact that we have begun the process to terminate 36 employees," said TSA spokesman Nico Melendez, according to the news outlet.

The disciplinary action is the largest such action in the agency's history.

Melendez said the lax security was a problem during the final few months of 2010 at just one area of the airport and it only affected a small number of flights.

Federal Security Director Glen Kajiyama is among those who is being let go, reported the news outlet. Kajimaya is a respected member of the law enforcement community who rose to Deputy Chief during a 30-year career with the Honolulu Police Department, according to the report.

"The Federal Security Director, the Assistant Federal Security Director, security is their responsibility at this airport. They are the ones that need to make sure security is at the highest level at this airport and if a group of people, a large group of people, is not doing their job, then the management needs to be held accountable," Melendez explained to the news outlet.