Despite increasingly sophisticated government and private security systems, officials responsible for Honolulu's ports still do not know for sure what is in every container and shipment that arrives on our docks.

In this, we are not alone. Every port in the nation has gaps in its security system. This is a problem of acute concern in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. While airport security was quickly beefed up, a similar effort regarding our ports and harbors has been slower in coming.

That may be changing. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive and promising port-security bill. Some $7.4 billion would be allocated for nuclear weapons screening, automated security systems, a heightened security system for harbor workers and more.

One sensible idea that unfortunately did not make it into the House version would have funded screening of cargo before it leaves its overseas destination. A pilot program in Hong Kong demonstrates that this approach works well and is not terribly expensive.

The Senate should add the overseas screening aspect to the bill and get it quickly to President Bush for his signature.