In Hawaii, which a North Korean long-range missile could target, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week ordered a substantial increase of missile and other defense systems.

The steps were taken because of North Korean threats to conduct more missile tests in retaliation for the U.N. Security Council resolution imposing tighter sanctions in response to Pyongyang's underground nuclear test, its second since 2006. That test was followed by several missile firings and a barrage of belligerent statements from the North Koreans.

Some reports have said North Korea may have recently transported a long-range ballistic missile, presumably an improved version of its Taepodong-2 missile, to a launch site in the northeast part of the country. From there a missile could be fired in the direction of Hawaii.

The concern is North Korea may be preparing to test launch within days a version of the Taepodong-2 missile. Some Japanese media have said the test could come around July 4.

However, some experts have told the Voice of America that North Korea doesn't have a missile with long enough range to hit Hawaii. They said even the most advanced North Korean missile, assuming it is launched successfully, cannot reach Hawaii.

Gen. James Cartwright, the No.2 U.S. military officer, told the U.S. Congress he is more than 90 percent certain the U.S. missile defense system will be able to shoot down a North Korean missile approaching U.S. territory, VOA reported.

But Gates said he had directed the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles and the Sea Based X-Band radar in the waters off Hawaii to track and attack any North Korean missile.

"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," Gates told a Pentagon news conference last week. He said the U.S. military is concerned about North Korea's ability to launch a missile "in the direction of Hawaii."

A Los Angeles Times report said comments from the U.S. defense establishment may be designed to stop North Korea from another missile launch and also to assure its allies.

These developments come amid a New York Times report Sunday citing sources that a U.S. Navy destroyer had been tracking a North Korean vessel that may be carrying missile parts and believed headed toward Myanmar. The destroyer was waiting for orders on whether to intercept the ship, identified as Kang Nam.

The Kang Nam case would be the first test of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution dealing with North Korean ships suspected of carrying illegal materials. Pyongyang has said it would view any such step as an act of war.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, who spoke with Gates at the news conference last week, had warned the military would "vigorously enforce" the Security Council resolution.

The resolution calls on U.N. member nations to request inspection of suspect cargo vessels, but not to forcibly board them on high seas. However, navies of member nations can seek permission to board the suspect ship, and escort them to port if permission is not granted.

Reinforcing the assertions of his defense officials, President Barack Obama told CBS's "The Early Show" that the United States is "prepared for any contingencies" if North Korea should conduct a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean. He also said the international community is united in its opposition to North Korea's violation of international law.

"I don't want to speculate on hypotheticals. But I do want to give assurances to the American people that the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted in terms of what might happen," the president said, adding, "What we're not going to do is to reward belligerence and provocation in the way that's been done in the past."

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