The case of the
missing pocketknife
On June 28, I flew to Honolulu. Got off, gathered my luggage, and spent the day on Oahu, awaiting flight to LAX that evening.
Upon arrival at LAX, my TSA-approved locked luggage stayed that way until the evening of June 29.
I opened the checked bag, which had a TSA notice of inspection, but nothing more. No knife. This was my travel pocketknife in a small belt case. Boy Scout size, 3 1/2 inch. The kind of Swiss Army Knife a gentleman carries on vacation (gotta be able to open a wine bottle).
It was carried in its regular space (a zippered bag in the internal compartment), as it has since 9/11 in checked luggage. Not there.
Searched the complete bag and clothes in it, just in case it was stuck. Nothing. Called home and asked my wife to look around just in case. Nothing.
Only conclusion is TSA removed it because they felt it was a “security risk”… as is their policy. Come on… no security risk with a Boy Scout knife. Or was it something else?
Where is my knife, and is there an agency that reports missing items or those removed for security risk on TSA checked luggage? I’ll definitely check out that site.
Anyone else seen small stuff missing?
A. Gary Gardner
Hilo
Playing both
sides of the field
Being an old-timer, I remember back in the day was Ted Hong was the deputy corporation counsel for Hawaii County, defending the county from lawsuits.
Now as a private attorney, he has done an about-face and now represents clients that sue Hawaii County (Anthony Sur vs. the Hawaii Police Department and Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho).
It is clear that Mr. Hong has an unfair advantage, having prior knowledge working with, and now against, the county corporation counsel, who has to defend the Hawaii Police Department and the assistant chief from this lawsuit.
Like Mr. Hong stated: “It’s a unique lawsuit.” Especially when he knows the ins and outs of the other side he will be battling in court.
Prentiss Moreno
Hilo
