Airport security, adequate or a facade?

[abe]

2 years ago when i was flying out of Hilo, someone had a lighter with him and a bottle of water. he proceded to throw the water out and the lighter as well when airport security said the lighter was ok to bring on the plane. Then, much to my amuesment, someone else said, "great, you can light stuff on fire on board, but you can't bring the water to put it out!"