On Sept 29, when I learned that the FAA planned to KEEP my CF memory card, I sent out emails to my Hawaii legislators (Senators Daniel Akaka & Dan Inouye, Representative Patsy Mink).

On Nov 7 I received a reply from Senator Daniel Akaka, including the following very disturbing letter from the FAA concerning my case.

My immediate reply to Senator Akaka is HERE

 

RECEIVED NOV 1 2001

US Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Western-Pacific Region
Civil Aviation Security Division
P.O. Box 92007
Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007

OCT 25 2001

The Honorable Daniel K. Akaka
United States Senate
Honolulu Office
P.O. Box 50144
Honolulu, HI 96850

Dear Senator Akaka:

Thank you for your letter dated October 4, 2001, concerning your constituent, Mr. Joel Aycock. Mr. Aycock has a concern about his experience at the Honolulu Airport regarding the confiscation of his camera and camera equipment.

The Honolulu Civil Aviation Security Field Office, as part of their investigation, interviewed several agencies, to include AKAL Airport Security, State Security Manager, Honolulu Federal Security Manager (FSM) and the FBI. According to information provided, the camera and memory card were confiscated because the owner, Mr. Aycock, alleged that he did not know how to erase photographs he had taken of the security checkpoint. There was concern of a possible violation of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 191 restrictions with regard to security sensitive information and security equipment.

On October 1, 2001, Mr. Aycock's Nikon Digital camera and all related items (Kodak rechargeable battery and flash memory card) were released to Mr. Paul H. Buehring, a friend of Mr. Aycock. The compact flash memory was erased to the satisfaction of the Honolulu FSM.

Photos erased included photos of Close Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras, National Guard personnel with the security checkpoint and other security activities in the background and a photo of instructions on how to operate the CCTV.

If there are any questions, or you desire further information, a member of your staff may call Mr. Thomas R. Anthony, Manager, Civil Aviation Security Division at (310) 725-3700.

Sincerely,

William C. Withycombe
Regional Administrator

Enclosures
Transmitted Correspondence

cc: Washington Office

 

My immediate reply to Senator Akaka is HERE