slippahs

Wow... that's pretty lame. So it's just HND-HNL for all intents and purposes.

beckoa

Agree.

They did it before, right?

LIH Prem

... they are "feverishly" attempting to complete a temporary facility by November ...

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/T...on-9171946.php

Articles were posted 6 days ago.

-David

Taipei

Seems before JAPAN Airlines, did passport checks at Kona, when they flew to Kona.

And now has some limited hours: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/kona

sbm12

Having a FIS for private traffic is very, very different from having a facility to process ~200 pax on a regular basis. There are lots of US airports that can handle international traffic on a private plane, usually by bringing an agent over from a properly staffed facility (e.g. ISP is staffed by JFK when needed) but that do not and will not process a commercial flight. KOA is in an interesting position with its situation.

azj

I don't think this has ever been the plan. HAL has always said they'd urge the State and Feds to move forward with reactivating or rebuilding the CBP facilities in KOA. This plan seems to still be in motion and estimated to be ready for the December launch.

MDTyKe

KOA already has full time CBP, even if they don't do much. As far as I know, the plan is for the HND-KOA non-stop to do full Customs & Immigration in KOA. They are in the process of installing 10 APC Kiosks too.. Not sure if there will be any GE kiosk though?

Taipei

Any updates, with the new service and CBP processing, just wanted to know is it quick or long lines?

Alex909

I flew HND-KOA on January 11 and it took 10-15 minutes from exiting the plane to baggage belt. When we pulled up to KOA airport, we deplaned via ramp, and were led over the airfield to the same large white tent structure that Japan Airlines used years ago for immigration and customs. Inside, processing took no longer than about 10 minutes for me (US citizen), including both immigration and customs. There were a 8-10 APC kiosks, but unlike in HNL they were not used. (At least not on that day.) Instead, I was directed to one of two immigration officers who were processing US citizens and green card holders. I was one of the first people off the plane and noticed that everybody further back trickled out slowly behind me, so your wait will very much depend on your seat in the plane. (Especially since the facility only handles this one flight, so first person off the plane = shortest wait.) Overall, a very good experience

Taipei

Thanks for the update. Also good to see more international service is coming.