It was just after 11 a.m. that a second police car arrived on campus and shortly after the school announced on its loudspeaker system that the campus was in lockdown.

"It is nice to know about the protocol,  with the lockdown and all, which I was not aware of.  I just put my kid in school a week ago," said Walley.

A group of Maryknoll students out with their teacher on an off campus excursion made sure to stay together and arrived safely a short time later.

With heightened security at campuses from Manoa to Pauoa, workers at some nearby businesses were also on edge.

"I am going to tell a bunch of people in the area. It’s kind of scary," said mechanic Jeff Kamiya.

The lockdown also delayed the release of students at some students.