Travelers arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu can now use the Enhanced Passenger Processing system for faster entry into the US. Launched with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Enhanced Passenger Processing is for US citizens on selected flights and uses photo technology to confirm identity, check eligibility, and enforce regulations. The system reduces wait times and allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to focus more on passengers, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has launched the Expanded Preclearance Program at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which allows travelers to use a fast-track system without enrollment, while those who prefer can go through the standard process. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is now part of a network of 14 airports with similar procedures, including LAX and JFK. The program follows an agreement in February between Governor Josh Green and Japan's Consul General Yoshinori Kodama to boost Japanese tourism. Other measures include expanded Mobile Passport Control with more language support and broader Global Entry access for Japan. Under these initiatives, average wait times have decreased by 25% and processing times by 74% for US citizens. Governor Green stated, "Hawai‘i is well-known for its unmatched welcoming of travelers to our islands and we take pride in that."
HDOT Director Ed Sniffen spoke about updates to Hawaiʻi's airports, noting Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as a key entry point. "This new system supports our continuing efforts to modernize our airports statewide and ensure that they are efficient, enjoyable and prepared for the travel demands of the future," Sniffen said. The updates are part of efforts to improve airport operations and the experience for travelers, as reported by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
