HONOLULU -- The U.S. military is moving more missile defense systems to Hawaii because of new fears North Korea may try to fire missiles toward the islands around July 4.

On July 4, 2006, North Korea tested its long-range missile technology.

The thought of North Korea sending a missile our way is unsettling for many. So how seriously is the military taking the threat?

"We do have a concerns if they do launch a missile to the west in the direction of Hawaii. I have deployed THAD missiles and the XBS radar away from Hawaii to provide support," Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said.

Gates is talking about an anti-missile defense system and the sea-based XBS radar, the giant golf ball-looking sphere on a floating platform that spent the last six months in dry dock at Pearl Harbor for upgrades and repair. It is now undergoing sea trials and left port Wednesday.

After Hawaii's experience with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, just the talk of a missile in the state's direction is making some people edgy.

"I am very assured that our military forces under the Pacific Command against a North Korea missile," state Adjutant Gen. Robert Lee said.

At the East-West Center think tank, Asia experts are watching the developments closely.

"The question you have to ask is: Why would they want to do that? It would be basically suicidal to launch for North Korea to launch a missile, nuclear or conventional," said Denny Roy, of the East-West Center.

Roy said he thinks the latest tensions are tied to the struggle over the succession of Kim Jon Il.

"There is more of a crisis atmosphere than there was a couple of years ago a couple of years ago we had some hope of the dismantling of the nuclear weapons program now that seems to be off the table," Roy said.

As for the supposed July threat.

"As for the next month, I'd say don't worry," Roy said. "I don't think Hawaii will be hit by a missile in July. The long-term issue is somewhat more worrisome."