TSA fires more than 30 airport security workers in Hawaii

The Transportation Security Administration said Friday it was removing more than 30 of its employees at Hawaii International Airport for improperly screening checked baggage.

The TSA had been conducting what it called an "extensive investigation" of the workers at the Hawaii, and it said Friday the firings were the result of the review.

"TSA holds its workforce to the highest ethical standards and we will not tolerate employees who in any way compromise the security of the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a written statement.

“We have taken appropriate action through our newly established Office of Professional Responsibility and are committed to ensuring our high security standards are upheld in Hawaii and throughout the country,” he continued.

The screenings that had been questioned took place in the final months of 2010. TSA said it regularly tests security operations at airports to make sure its protocols are being followed.

"TSA also utilizes a number of checks to ensure bags are being screened properly including the use of CCTV, random inspections, covert tests, as well as peer and management oversight," the agency said in a statement.