LIHUE — To modernize and provide a smoother, stress-free entry into Hawaii, state leaders will launch a new digital pilot program this weekend.
The ‘Akamai Arrival’ program is a pilot initiative set to take off on Saturday, March 1, and aims to digitalize the Plants and Animals Declaration Form required for travelers arriving in Hawaii, which is traditionally distributed approximately 20 minutes before landing. This initiative will inform arriving travelers of the items permitted into the islands before arrival while removing the stress of not having a pen or borrowing one.
“Protecting Hawaii’s unique environment from invasive species is critical to our way of life, our economy, and our future,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.
The ‘Akamai Arrival’ program is a forward-thinking approach that modernizes our biosecurity efforts while making it easier for travelers to comply with our agricultural protections. This initiative is another step toward preserving our islands for generations to come,” said the Governor.
The pilot program initiated by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture will commence on select domestic flights. The forms will begin to be incorporated into the arrival process and are being implemented in collaboration with several major airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
“U.S. airlines play a critical role in connecting travelers to Hawaii, and the transition from paper to digital agriculture declaration forms is a significant step toward modernizing the travel experience,” said Sean Williams, Airlines for America vice president of State and Local Government Affairs.
“We’re proud to support the ‘Akamai Arrival’ program, making the arrival process more seamless and efficient for travelers,” he shared.
The airlines participating in the pilot program will have discretion over flight selection and implementation methods. Airlines participating will also provide monthly updates through May 31 to determine the potential expansion of the program.
“Enhancing our state’s biosecurity efforts and protecting our islands from invasive species requires modern solutions, and the implementation of a digital form is long overdue,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems.
“I appreciate the collaboration among stakeholders to streamline the screening process and strengthen our state’s ability to ensure safe arrivals,” she said.
Senator Glenn Wakai, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and has been advocating for the digitization of the declaration form for the past five years, said, “The Department of Agriculture has been addicted to paper for nearly 60 years.”
Act 196 (2024) marks a significant step towards modernizing and updating Hawaii’s biosecurity efforts by improving form completion rates and strengthening protections against invasive species.
Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke also celebrated the program and partnership between the government and technology. She stated, “This is what the government should be doing—utilizing technology to improve our state processes and better serve the public.
“Every one of us, whether coming home or traveling to Hawaii, is very familiar with filling out the paper agriculture form. By digitizing this form, we’re making compliance easier for travelers while using technology to protect what makes Hawaii so special,” said Lieutenant Governor Silvia Luke.
Travelers interested in further information on the new digital declaration form and the ‘Akamai Arrival’ initiative can visit https://akamaiarrival.hawaii.gov/.
The Akamai Arrival website will also serve as a hub for passengers, providing access to the digital form, flight information, and an FAQ page to assist travelers.
