Hawaii Proposes Pre-Clearance Program for Japanese Tourists

Governor Josh Green seeks to boost tourism with a program allowing travelers to complete inspections before departure.

Hawaii's Governor Josh Green proposes a pre-clearance program to facilitate travel for tourists from Japan, the state's top international visitor market.
The program, which has been discussed for years, would allow travelers to complete immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before departure, saving time at the Honolulu airport.
Green believes the program could boost tourism, which has been sluggish since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program could also open direct routes to other islands, including Maui.
Green plans to ask Hawaii's delegation in U.S. Congress to help make the program possible.