Enhanced Passenger Processing Launches at HNL

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). EPP is designed to streamline the passenger arrival experience and improve airport efficiency, marking a significant milestone in HDOT’s dedication to offering seamless and safe journey for all passengers.

In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HNL will welcome U.S. residents getting into the United States on chosen flights beginning on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by means of the EPP initiative. EPP includes photographing vacationers utilizing auto seize know-how to offer an entire evaluation (biometric affirmation, eligibility, enforcement) as they method a CBP officer. EPP is designed to extend CBP operational effectivity whereas enhancing the traveler expertise and constructing towards a really seamless journey. The course of permits CBP to deal with the traveler and cut back the burden of administrative duties. EPP will probably be out there to U.S. residents, with no enrollment required. Any passenger who doesn’t wish to take part within the EPP course of ought to notify a CBP officer to choose out and undergo the usual guide entry course of.

HNL joins 14 different airports that presently provide EPP, together with Orlando International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dublin Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and Nashville International Airport.

In February 2025, Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Japan’s Consul General Yoshinori Kodama signed an motion plan to spice up Japanese tourism to Hawai‘i, expanding the VIP entry program to include school groups and promoting easier entry options like Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry. Since signing the agreement, under Governor Green’s management, HDOT has launched into a number of biometric and technology-driven initiatives designed to welcome extra vacationers to Hawai‘i and improve the passenger expertise for all vacationers:

• Expanded use of Mobile Passport Control together with new variations in Japanese and Korean language.
• Expansion of Global Entry Program to incorporate Japan’s formal entrance.
• Launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing at HNL in August.

“Hawai‘i is well-known for its unmatched welcoming of travelers to our islands and we take pride in that,” mentioned Governor Green. “Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) has reduced wait times for U.S. citizens by an average 25% and reduced processing time by 74%. EPP, together with other initiatives, will deliver a best-in-class, seamless experience for travelers, including residents and visitors.”

“Daniel K. Inouye International Airport continues to be a vital gateway for travelers from across the globe and we are thrilled to enhance the airport experience for all passengers,” mentioned Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “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.”

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