Knife found hidden in passenger’s prosthetic at HNL airport TSA checkpoint

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A passenger was stopped at Honolulu’s airport after TSA officers discovered a knife hidden inside a prosthetic leg.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, an off-duty law enforcement officer saw the passenger place the knife inside the prosthetic and alerted Lead TSA Officer Raynani Camara.

Camara notified Supervisory Officer Michael Bugarin, who reviewed surveillance video and confirmed the passenger placed an item into the prosthetic at the divestiture table before screening.

The prosthetic was then X-rayed, revealing a folding knife concealed in the underside heel of the foot. The passenger was denied entry into the checkpoint and escorted out of the screening area.

“This incident is a powerful reminder that situational awareness is essential at every moment—not just during routine screening,” said Hawaii TSA Federal Security Director Nanea Vasta. “The vigilance and swift action of Camara and Bugarin, combined with their effective use of available tools like CCTV, demonstrate our commitment to mitigating threats in even the most hectic environments.”

Vasta also thanked the off-duty officer for reporting the suspicious activity, saying the incident highlights the importance of teamwork and public awareness in helping keep travelers safe.