U.S. Defense Dept. prepares as North Korea threatens Hawaii

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is ordering protective measures to protect Hawaii. A Japanese newspaper reported Thursday North Korea may test fire a missile in the state's direction.

Gates told reporters today he has ordered defensive measures should North Korea fire a missile at the United States. Japanese media outlets reported that North Korea was threatening to fire a missile at Hawaii. For more on the threat, click here. “I think we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect American territory,” Gates said. Gates did not specify what measures might be used, but he was likely hinting at the U.S. missile defense system. The Japanese military is also looking into preventative measures, including the firing of surface-to-air missiles that could intercept a North Korean rocket. It's unlikely, analysts tell ABC News, that a North Korean missile could reach the United States.