HONOLULU -- The state Department of Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration announced on Wednesday a plan to create lanes at Honolulu International Airport checkpoints for different types of travelers.

The Diamond Self-Select Lanes program began on Sept. 11.

The three types of lanes are designed to make the procedure through the checkpoints smoother and easier.

"The program's goals are to create a calmer environment at the airport security checkpoint, while making the screening experience less stressful and more user-friendly for travelers," TSA Federal Director of Security Glen Kajiyama said.

The checkpoints will primarily affect travelers with United, Northwest, Continental and American airlines, DOT officials said.

The three categories are:

Black Diamond sign: frequent travelers who know TSA procedures and are ready for inspection and travel light

Blue Square sign: travelers who are familiar with TSA rules and have multiple carry-ons

Green Circle sign: families with small children, elderly passengers, groups of people, those needing assistance or extra time.

Travelers KITV spoke with liked the idea.

"It separates people who are in a rush and those that want to take their time and relax and get through it. It's all for safety, so it's good," traveler Keven Kapaona said.

"What we're trying to do is calm down the screening process so that we can readily identify those who may be agitated for other reasons, or exhibiting stress that is something that we're more concerned with from the security standpoint," TSA agent Adam Myers said.

The family, or special assistance lane, is extra wide.

"Sometimes children, you know, get a little berserk, and then this way, people have an idea that they can go a different route, so I think it's a good idea," traveler Karen Mitchell said.

Officials said that if the project works well it will be spread to other parts of the airport.

The Diamond Self-Select Lanes program has been running in 36 other airports around the country.