On Friday, the United States continued preparations for defensive measures against a possible missile strike from North Korea.
     
A Japanese newspaper has reported the communist regime could fire a missile toward the islands of Hawaii around the Fourth of July holiday.
 
The U.S. military has positioned more missile defenses around The Aloha State as a precaution against a possible North Korean attack from across the Pacific Ocean.

"The ground based interceptors are clearly in a position to take action," said Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.  "Without telegraphing what we will do, I would just say I think we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect American territory."

However, a North Korean missile is not expected to actually reach U.S. territory.

Still, if the regime were to launch a missile, it would be an intended slap in the face of the international community.
    
The United Nations has punished North Korea with new sanctions for conducting a second nuclear test May 25.

"Well, I think it is important that this is a U.N. resolution," said Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  "This is an international commitment. It's not just the United States. It is a lot of other countries as well and the North taking steps to further isolate itself, to further non-comply with international guidance and regulations in the long run puts them in a more difficult position."

Naval vessels departing North Korea were being watched closely.  Bank accounts were also being monitored for any unusual activity.
    
The Obama administration warned U.S. banks that North Korea might try to get around financial sanctions by using "deceptive practices."