U.S. Fortifies Hawaii’s Defenses Against North Korean Arms

The defense secretary’s disclosure came as Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the military’s commitment to “vigorously enforce” the latest United Nations Security Council resolution on North Korea’s nuclear program. But he declined to confirm reports provided by other Pentagon officials that the military was tracking a North Korean freighter suspected of carrying banned materials.

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced Thursday that he had ordered the military to deploy missile interceptors and radar to protect Hawaii from a North Korean long-range rocket.

Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, Mr. Gates said he had directed the military to deploy mobile, ground-based interceptors to Hawaii. Mr. Gates also ordered seaborne radar into the waters off Hawaii to provide detailed information to track and attack any North Korean missile.

“We’re obviously watching the situation in the North with respect to missile launches very closely,” Mr. Gates said, adding that the military had some concerns about North Korea’s ability to launch a missile “in the direction of Hawaii.”

Admiral Mullen declined at the news conference to confirm reports that the military was tracking a North Korean flagged cargo ship that might be hauling weapons, missile parts or even fissile material prohibited under international law.

But he did say that the military intended to fully enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, passed last week after North Korea’s recent nuclear test and missile launchings. North Korea answered the United Nations action with threats to launch more missiles and to continue with its nuclear program.

The resolution calls on international navies to request inspection of suspect cargo vessels, but not to board them by force on the high seas. However, if the ship enters a foreign port, the local authorities have greater rights of inspection.

“The country of that port is required to inspect the vessel and to also keep the United Nations informed, obviously, if a vessel like this would refuse to comply,” he said.