Mobile Unit to Renew Expired Transport Credentials

County of Maui News Release

Molokai’s Kuha`o Business Center has secured funding to bring a mobile Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) unit to Molokai on Aug. 26-28, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has announced. The mobile unit will allow more than 140 transportation workers with expired credentials to apply for renewals of their TWIC cards.

TWIC cards are issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard; they are required for all workers who need unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. All U.S. credentialed mariners are required to have a TWIC.

On Molokai, many business owners send employees to pick up freight in secured areas on a regular basis. Without these cards, businesses cannot retrieve supplies, products or other items that are vital to their operation.

The mobile unit will enable Molokai residents to collectively save an estimated $60,000 in airfare as the only TWIC offices available for card renewals are on Maui and Oahu. Without the mobile TWIC unit, a single card renewal requires two round trips off-island: one to apply for the TWIC, and one to pick up the cards. The three-day visit by the mobile unit will allow all current TWIC card holders residing on Molokai to renew their credentials on-island.

“Molokai receives many deliveries through freight services at the harbor, and these cards are essential for doing business there,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “By bringing the TWIC unit here we can get these access cards out to the community quickly so that the flow of business is not delayed. It may seem like a minor detail, but on Molokai, this can make or break a local business.”

Maui County Councilmember Stacy Crivello said Molokai appreciates the utilization of Maui County funds to bring TWIC enrollment and renewal services to the island.

“Support from the Office of Economic Development and the Maui County Council will provide an opportunity to assist Molokai businesses and individuals to be in compliance with federal requirements,” said Crivello. “More importantly, the on-island process will help curtail exorbitant costs and delays that may be incurred from off-island travel.”

To enroll or to renew an existing TWIC card, call the Kuha`o Center at (808) 553-8100 to schedule an appointment.

The $5,000 cost of bringing the mobile TWIC unit to Molokai is being paid for through the Molokai Economic Development Fund. The cost of cards and renewals is paid for by the individuals or businesses applying for them. Applicants must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment, and must bring proper documentation with them.

Individuals who meet TWIC eligibility requirements will be issued a tamper-resistant credential containing the worker’s biometric (fingerprint template) to allow for a positive link between the card and the individual.

For more information, visit tsa.gov/twic.